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Forest Stewardship Council®

The FSC National Forest Stewardship


Standard of Romania

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Forest Stewardship Council®

Title The FSC National Forest Stewardship Standard of Romania

Document reference code: FSC-STD-XXX-mm-year V-X

Status: Draft for PSU Evaluation

Geographical Scope: National

Forest Scope All forest types

Approval body Policy and Standards Committee

Submission date 15.01.2017

Approval date: [PSU to fill this


Click here to enter a date.
after approval]
Proposed effective date: [PSU
Click here to enter a date.
to fill this after approval]
Validity Period: [PSU to fill this
after approval]
Marius Turtica
Asociatia pentru Certificare Forestiera
Country Contact: E-mail: fsc@standardnational.ro
acf@certificareforestiera.ro
Mobile: 0040 740 300 616
FSC International Center
- Policy and Standards Unit -
Charles-de-Gaulle-Str. 5
FSC Policy and Standards
53113 Bonn, Germany
Unit Contact
+49-(0)228-36766-0
+49-(0)228-36766-30
policy.standards@fsc.org. Or Gordian Fanso
g.fanso@fsc.org
A.C. All rights reserved.

No part of this work covered by the publisher’s copyright may be reproduced or copied in any
form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording,
recording taping, or information retrieval systems) without the written permission of the publisher.

The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) is an independent, not for profit, non-government orga-
nization established to support environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically
viable management of the world's forests.

FSC’s vision is that the world’s forests meet the social, ecological, and economic rights and
needs of the present generation without compromising those of future generations.

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1. Preface
1.1. Descriptive statement of FSC
1.2. Descriptive statement of the National Office / Standard Development Group
2. Preamble
2.1. Purpose of the standard
2.2. Scope of standard
2.3. Background information on the standard development
3. Version
4. Context
5. References
6. Note on the interpretation of indicators.
7. Principles, Criteria and National Indicators
8. Annexes to a Forest Stewardship Standard
9. Glossary of Terms
List of applicable laws, regulations and nationally-ratified international
Annex A
treaties, conventions and agreements

Annex B Additional Requirements for Ecosystem Services

Annex C.0 Species of conservation interest

Annex C.1 Groups of forests types in Romania

Annex C.2 Representative areas level

Annex D High Conservation Value Forests

Annex E Elements of the Management Plan

Annex F List of publicly available information

Annex G Dispute settlement procedure

Annex H Wood for biodiversity – dead wood, nest trees, riparian areas, etc.

Annex I Monitoring activities

Annex J List of invasive species

1. Preface

1.1. Descriptive statement of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)


The Forest Stewardship Council A.C. (FSC) was established in 1993, as a follow-up to the
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (the Earth Summit at Rio de
Janeiro, 1992) with the mission to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial,
and economically viable management of the world’s forests.

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Environmentally appropriate forest management ensures that the production of timber, non-
timber products and ecosystem services maintains the forest’s biodiversity, productivity, and
ecological processes. Socially beneficial forest management helps both local people and soci-
ety at large to enjoy long term benefits and also provides strong incentives to local people to
sustain the forest resources and adhere to long-term management plans. Economically viable
forest management means that forest operations are structured and managed so as to be suf-
ficiently profitable, without generating financial profit at the expense of the forest resource, the
ecosystem, or affected communities. The tension between the need to generate adequate fi-
nancial returns and the principles of responsible forest operations can be reduced through ef-
forts to market the full range of forest products and services for their best value (FSC A.C. By-
Laws, ratified, September 1994; last revision in June 2011).

FSC is an international organization that provides a system for voluntary accreditation and in-
dependent third-party certification. This system allows certificate holders to market their prod-
ucts and services as the result of environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and eco-
nomically viable forest management. FSC also sets standards for the development and ap-
proval of FSC Stewardship Standards which are based on the FSC Principles and Criteria. In
addition, FSC sets standards for the accreditation of Conformity Assessment Bodies (also
known as Certification Bodies) that certify compliance with FSC’s standards. Based on these
standards, FSC provides a system for certification for organizations seeking to market their
products as FSC certified.

1.2. Descriptive statement of the National Office / Standard Development Group


The Working Group for Development of the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Forest Man-
agement Standard in Romania was accredited by FSC in 2014. The role of the Working
Group is to develop the FSC Forest Management National Standard in Romania according to
the provisions of FSC – STD -60 -006 standard. Other tasks of its members include:

 Implementation and monitoring the work plan according to FSC-TPT-60-007 (V01-0)


PROCESS REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL FOREST
STEWARDSHIP STANDARDS.
 Representing the interests of relevant stakeholders in the chamber
 Revising and answering to the comments received from interested stakeholders dur-
ing the process of standard development.
 Promoting when necessary the standard development process
 Coordinating the activity of technical experts
 Signing intermediate documents and submitting for approval the final version of the
national standard
 Analyzing, developing and approving the list of interested stakeholders from the Con-
sultative Forum within the process

The objective of SDG Romania is to develop FSC National Forest Stewardship Standard
through a national adaptation of the FSC Principles and Criteria through specific indicators in
order to promote a Responsible Forest Management, as it is defined by FSC International.

2. Preamble
2.1. Purpose of the standard
This standard sets out the required elements against which FSC accredited Certification Bod-
ies shall evaluate forest management practices within the scope (see 2.2.below) of the stan-
dard.
The FSC Principles and Criteria (P&C) for Forest Stewardship provides an internationally rec-

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ognized standard for responsible forest management. However, any international standard for
forest management needs to be adapted at the regional or national level in order to reflect the
diverse legal, social and geographical conditions of forests in different parts of the world. The
FSC P&C therefore require the addition of indicators that are adapted to regional or national
conditions in order to be implemented at the Forest Management Unit (FMU) level.
With the approval of FSC-STD-60-004 V1-0 EN the FSC International Generic Indicators (IGI)
by the FSC Board of Directors in March 2015, the adaptation of the P&C to regional or na-
tional conditions is done using the IGI standard as the starting point. This has the advantage
to:
 Ensure the consistent implementation of the P&C across the globe;
 Improve and strengthen the credibility of the FSC System;
 Improve the consistency and quality of National Forest Stewardship Standards;
 Support a faster and more efficient approval process of National Forest Stewardship
Standards.
The FSC Principles and Criteria together with a set of national indicators approved by FSC
Policy and Standards Committee (PSC) constitute an FSC National Forest Stewardship Stan-
dard (NFSS).
The development of NFSS follows the requirements set out in the following FSC normative
documents:
 FSC-PRO-60-006 V2-0 EN Development and Transfer of National Forest Steward-
ship Standards to the FSC Principles and Criteria Version 5-1;
 FSC-STD-60-002 (V1-0) EN Structure and Content of National Forest Stewardship
Standards AND
 FSC-STD-60-006 (V1-2) EN Process requirements for the development and mainte-
nance of National Forest Stewardship Standards.
The above documents have been developed by the FSC Policy and Standards Unit (PSU) to
improve consistency and transparency in certification decisions between different Certification
Bodies in the region/nation and in different parts of the world, and thereby to enhance the
credibility of the FSC certification scheme as a whole.

2.2. Scope of standard


This standard is applicable to all forest operations seeking FSC certification within Romania.
The standard applies to all forest types
2.3. Background information on the standard development.
In Romania the process of FSC Forest Management Standard development, according to
FSC-STD-01-001 (V5-2), has started after the establishment and approval by FSC Interna-
tional of the working group and its facilitator in June 2014. The process has undergone the fol-
lowing phases:

DRAFT 1-0

Draft 1-0 was developed during six meetings of the Working Group:

 Principle I was debated during the first meeting of the Working Group held in Brasov in
29-30.09.2014.
 Principles II and III were debated during the second meeting of the Working Group held in
Brasov in 25-26.11.2014.
 Principles IV and V were debated during the third meeting of the Working Group held in
Sighetu Marmatiei in 12-14.01.2015.
 Principles VI, VII and VIII were debated during the fourth meeting of the Working Group
held in Brasov in 28-30.04.2015.

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 Principles IX and X were debated during the fifth meeting of the Working Group held in
Brasov in 20-22.05.2015.
 The final form of a Draft 1-0 of the FSC Forest Management National Standard in Roma-
nia was approved by the Working Group during the sixth meeting held in Brasov in 15-
17.07.2015.
After the meeting from 15-17.07.2015 the Working Group has unanimously voted the content
of Draft 1-0 and decided to submit the document for public consultation. A period of 90 days
(between 15.09.2015 and 15.12.2015) of public consultation has followed.

DRAFT 1-1

Comments and suggestions on Draft 1-0 received from interested stakeholders were ana-
lyzed by the Working Group and the information considered relevant was included in a new
draft (1-1.). All comments and the answers (decisions) were debated during a public meeting
held in Brasov on January 28th, 2016.

DRAFT 2-0

Field testing of FSC National Standard for Forest Management (Draft 1-1)

The FSC National Standard for Forest Management (Draft 1-1) was tested in the field by the
FSC accredited certification body Soils Association LTD (UK) in 4-6 and 10-13 May 2016.
Evaluation has taken 7 full days and was carried out by 3 auditors with good experience in
both forestry and FSC standards for forest management at national and international level.
Over the entire period of evaluation, together with each auditor a member of the Working
Group was also present. To assess practical applicability of the standard the evaluation car-
ried out by independent auditors has comprised both office and field checks. The entire draft
of the national standard (including all principles, criteria and indicators from draft 1-1.) was
verified. Based on recommendations received from the certification body after the field check,
the Working Group has produced an improved version of the standard - Draft 2-0. During the
meeting held on 10.07.2016, the Working Group members have unanimously voted the Draft
2-0 and agreed to send the document for public consultation. As a result, the Draft 2-0 was
under consultation for Consultative Forum and the general public at national level starting with
August 8th, 2016, for 30 days.

Draft 3-0

The results of the public consultation were analyzed in the Working Group and integrated in
the final form of the standard (Draft 3-0) produced during the meeting held in Danes in 2-4
November 2016. On November 4th the final draft (Draft 3-0) was voted by the members of the
Working Group. All members reached consensus over the content of the draft. As a result the
draft was approved by the Working Group and all members have agreed to submit the docu -
ment for approval to FSC International, Policy and Standards Unit.

3. Version of the standard


3.1. Three versions of this standard have been produced along the standard development
process:
- Draft 1.0 – approved by SDG on July 17th, 2015

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- Draft 2.0 – produced after including comments from public consultation and approved by
SDG on July 10th, 2016
- Final Draft (version 3.0), produced after including comments from public consultation,
approved by SDG on November 4th, 2016.
Final Draft was submitted for approval to FSC International, Policy and Standards Unit on:
15.01.2017.
Approval Date: ..................................
Effective Date: ..................................
Validity Period: ..................................
3.2. The members of the Working Group for Development of the FSC ® National Standard
for Forest Management in Romania have reached consensus on the final draft of the FSC
National Standard for Forest Management in Romania, and have all declared that:
1. The development process of the FSC National Standard for Forest Management in Ro-
mania Draft 3-0 has completed all steps necessary to produce the final form.
2. The FSC National Standard for Forest Management in Romania Draft 3-0 meets the
requirements, aim and objective of the International FSC Standard for Forest Manage-
ment and International Generic Indicators
An official statement was signed on November 4th, 2016.

4. Context

4.1 General description of the geographical area covered by the standard


Romania has around 6.9 million ha of forest vegetation, ranging from lowland oak dominated
forests and floodplain alluvial forests along rivers and in the Danube Delta to high altitude
pure spruce forests and dwarf pine scrubs in the Carpathians. Climate is temperate-continen-
tal. A rough estimate of tree species participation is described below:

Species category Area/proportion Total

ha 1.796.095,06
Conifers [%] 26,03
ha 2.142.242,46
European beech [%] 31,04
ha 1.130.039,70
Oaks [%] 16,38
ha 1.387.823,89
Hardwoods [%] 20,11
ha 444.761,15
Softwoods [%] 6,44
ha 6.900.962,26
Total [%] 100,00
(Source: National Forest Inventory 2016 – Cycle I)

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Forests have had an important role in Romania’s economic development, especially in the ru-
ral area, providing important income from timber harvesting and processing and from non-tim -
ber forest products. Compared to other countries in the region the forestry based sector is a
significant contributor to the national economy bringing 3.5% contribution to GDP in 2007
(Abrudan et al. 2009 - Developments in the Romanian Forestry and its Linkages with other
Sectors, Not. Bot. Hort. Agrobot. Cluj 37 (2) 2009, 14-21).

Forestry in Romania has a long tradition and is based on sustained timber yield and mainte-
nance and perpetuation of the natural forest type (i.e. the type of forest ecosystem naturally
installed and perpetuated on a specific site for many generations and which therefore repre-
sents a tight connection between site and forest vegetation). Besides timber production,
forests are attributed diverse protection goals to efficiently reach the society’s needs. Although
after ownership restitution an important part of the forestland at national level was given back
to former owners, the management of forests is still tightly regulated by the state (i.e. forestry
follows the same national technical guidelines regardless of ownership type). Moreover, man-
agement must be done only by specialized administration entities (i.e. forest districts), autho-
rized by the national forest authority in Romania (i.e. the entity responsible for controlling for-
est management practices and for forest law enforcement at national level).

For each forest, the management prescriptions for a certain forest stand are written in man-
agement plans valid for a period of 10 years. These plans are developed by specialized forest
management planning companies (authorized by the national forest authority in Romania),
are approved by the national forest authority and their implementation in practice is manda-
tory. Any changes in a management plan have to be thoroughly substantiated and go through
a quite intricate and bureaucratic procedure, before being accepted. The forest management
planning is based on the following five major principles seeking:

1) continuity of forest functions;

2) optimal and sustainable exertion of the multiple production and protection functions of
the forest;

3) optimal and sustainable utilization of forest;

4) aesthetics;

5) biodiversity conservation.

According to these principles and to the society needs, each forest (private or public) is attrib-
uted a main function (i.e. and therefore a main management goal is set): either the protection
of a certain attribute or mainly (but not solely) timber production. Therefore, there are two
main categories of forest in Romania: I. Forest vegetation with special protection func-
tions and II. Forest vegetation with protection and production functions. The first cate-
gory (seeking protection of waters; soil; reducing air pollution and ensure climate mitigation;
recreation; reserves of scientific interest – e.g. genetic quality, biodiversity etc.) covers roughly
a little over 50% of Romania’s forests. Such forests are managed more intensive (lightly har-
vested or not harvested at all) to ensure that the ecosystem function considered a manage-

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ment goal is maintained and improved. (source Stancioiu et al 2010 - The Natura 2000 eco-
logical network and forests in Romania: implications on management and administration, In-
ternational Forestry Review Vol.12(1))

4.2. List of members of the committee that prepared the standard.


Development of the National FSC Forest Management Standard is carried out by a Working
Group accredited by FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) International. In Romania, the Stan-
dard Development Working Group was accredited in June 2014.

The Working Group is split in three chambers: environment, economic and social. Each
chamber has three members. Each member has the same right to vote in the standard devel-
opment process as all others.

Members were selected based on:

 their relevant experience in the field of the chamber they represent


 their previous experience on working with standards and procedures (FSC system is
an advantage)
 their previous experience on working with interested stakeholders, including the ability
of preparing answers to their comments
 their understanding and support of the mission and vision of FSC (Forest Stewardship
Council) along time

In Romania, the working group has 9 members, 3 for each chamber. A short description of
each member is provided below:

ENVIRONMENT CHAMBER
Buzea Andreea Liana – EcoAssist Association
She has graduated the Management Faculty from the University of Bucharest holding an ex-
perience of over 10 years in projects in the fields of environment and society. She is the
founder and coordinator of national scale projects „Planting good deeds” and „The tree store”.
As a president of EcoAssist Association she has initiated the national campaign „Let’s do it
Romania!”

Dr. Stancioiu Petru Tudor – Faculty of Silviculture and Forest Operations from Brasov
He has graduated the Faculty of Silviculture and Forest Operations from Brasov and he holds
a Ph.D. title in Environmental Science, Policy and Management received from University of
California at Berkeley. At present he is associate professor of forest ecology at the Faculty of
Silviculture and Forest Operations from Brasov. During the past 10 years he has been in -
volved in preparing for FSC certification more than 5 forest districts (including identification of
High Conservation Value Forests). He is one of the most active forestry specialists who con-
tributed to the development of the High Conservation Value Forests Identification Toolkit.

Vlad Radu –WWF Danube-Carpathian Programme


He has graduated the Faculty of Silviculture and Forest Operations from Brasov, having an
experience of over 10 years in forestry. He is at present the coordinator of Forests Program
within the WWF DCP Romania. He has developed and implemented several projects at local,
regional and national level regarding FSC certification as a tool for responsible forest man-
agement. He was actively involved in FSC certification process for state, private and commu-
nity forests in Romania contributing to FSC certification of more than 2,5 million ha of forest
across the country. He has coordinated the development of the second edition of the High
Conservation Value Forests Identification Toolkit.

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ECONOMIC CHAMBER
Dr. Marinescu Viorel-Gheorghe – self represented
Forest engineer, has graduated the Faculty of Silviculture and Forest Operations from Brasov
and holds a Ph.D. degree in the same university since 2008. He has a long practical experi -
ence in forestry working in forest administration (1979-1999), at ministry level as a general di-
rector and in higher education being at present lecturer in the Faculty of Silviculture and For-
est Operations from Brasov teaching Forest Legislation and Forest Administration.

Mihaila Laurentiu – National Forest Administration – ROMSILVA


He has graduated the Faculty of Silviculture and Forest Operations from Brasov, holds an ex-
perience longer than 10 years in forest administration (within Prahova Forest Directorate). At
present is the FSC responsible person for the National Forest Administration – ROMSILVA
which manages more than 2,5 million ha of FSC certified forests both on management and
controlled wood.

Moisa Constantin – Professional Association of Service Providers in Forestry


He has graduated the Faculty of Silviculture and Forest Operations from Brasov, with an ex-
perience over 10 years in forest management planning, GIS, environmental evaluations and
afforestation works within a private company. He is a member of the Controlled Wood Risk
Evaluation Working Group in Romania, environmental assessment specialist accredited by
the Ministry of Environment and technical expert in forestry accredited by the Ministry of Jus-
tice. He was involved as an expert in the development of the second edition of the High Con -
servation Value Forests Identification Toolkit and in preparation for FSC forest management
certification of private and state forest districts in Romania.

Viorel Marinescu is replacing George Dinicu (IKEA TASEE) who left the Working Group in
2015.

SOCIAL CHAMBER
Dr. Boroica Ioan – Museum of Maramures
Doctor in culture history within the History Institute of the Romanian Academy “George Bari-
tiu” from Cluj-Napoca. He holds a Master of Science degree Ethnology and Social Anthropol-
ogy, obtained from the Northern University of Baia-Mare. At present he is a trustee at the Mu -
seum of Maramures from Sighetu-Marmatiei being involved along the time in various project
related to ethnology and sociology. He has collaborated with WWF-DCP Romania for devel-
opment of the second edition of the High Conservation Value Forests Identification Toolkit
(HCVF categories 5 and 6)

Mihai Dorina – Metropolitan Agency for Sustainable Development - Brasov


Dorina Mihai is a project manager within the Metropolitan Agency for Sustainable Develop -
ment - Brasov. The agency was established to contribute to the sustainable development of
the city of Brasov and its surrounding local communities. She has an experience of more than
10 years in project related to environment and society.

Rati Longin – CONSILVA


He has graduated the Faculty of Silviculture and Forest Operations from Brasov and holds an

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experience of over 30 years in forest administration in Romania. At present is the vice-presi-


dent of CONSILVA Labor Union representing the interests of foresters employed in adminis-
tration structures. He is also in charge of the Health and Safety Requirements within the
Maramures Forest Directorate.

4.3. List of key consultants and advisors who assisted the committee
Oliviu Iorgu – Soil Association Certification Ltd.
Costel Bucur - WWF-DCP Romania
Radu Melu – independent consultant
Sebastian Constantin - WWF-DCP Romania
Sorin Ionut Banciu – R.P.L.P. Piatra Craiului R.A., Zarnesti

5. References
The following referenced documents are relevant for the application of this standard.
For references without a version number, the latest edition of the referenced docu-
ment (including any amendments) applies.
FSC-POL-01-004 Policy for the Association of Organizations with FSC
FSC-POL-20-003 The Excision of Areas from the Scope of Certification
FSC-POL-30-001 FSC Pesticides Policy
FSC-POL-30-401 FSC Certification and the ILO Conventions
FSC-POL-30-602 FSC Interpretation on GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)
FSC-STD-01-002 Glossary of Terms
FSC-STD-01-003 SLIMF Eligibility Criteria
FSC-STD-20-007 Forest Management Evaluations
FSC-STD-30-005 FSC Standard for Group Entities in Forest Management Groups
FSC-STD-60-002 Structure and Content of National Forest Stewardship Standards
FSC-STD-60-006 Development of National Forest Stewardship Standards
FSC-PRO-01-001 The Development and Revision of FSC Normative Documents
FSC-PRO-01-005 Processing Appeals

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FSC-PRO-01-008 Processing Complaints in the FSC Certification Scheme


FSC-PRO-01-009 Processing Policy for Association Complaints in the FSC Certification
Scheme
FSC-DIR-20-007 FSC Directive on Forest Management Evaluations

6. Note on the interpretation of indicators

For each Criterion a number of indicators are listed. All indicators are simply numbered, with
no additional letter (e.g. Indicator 1.1.1) and are applicable to all types of forest and sizes
over 100 ha managed for continuity of yield and production.

This standard does not address areas under 100 ha (considered SLIMF by the SDG).

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7. Principles, Criteria and National Indicators


PRINCIPLE 1: COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS
The Organization shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations and nationally- ratified
international treaties, conventions and agreements. (P1 P&C V4)
Criterion 1.1. The Organization shall be a legally defined entity with clear, documented
and unchallenged legal registration, with written authorization from the legally competent
authority for specific activities. (new)
Indicator 1.1.1 Legal registration* to carry out all activities within the scope of the certifi-
cate is proved by legally valid documents.
Criterion 1.2. The Organization shall demonstrate that the legal status of the Manage-
ment Unit, including tenure and use rights, and its boundaries, are clearly defined. (C2.1
P&C V4)
Indicator 1.2.1. Legal* tenure* to manage and use resources within the scope of the cer-
tificate is documented by legal documents.
Note 1. Areas under disputes in a court of law will not be included in the scope of the cer-
tificate
Note 2. Already certified areas will be excluded from the scope of the certificate when
forestry services/administration are suspended by law.

Indicator 1.2.2 Legal* tenure* to manage and use resources within the scope of the certifi-
cate is proved by legally valid documents.
Indicator 1.2.3 The boundaries of all Management Units* within the scope of the certifi-
cate are clearly marked and documented and clearly shown on maps.
Criterion 1.3. The Organization shall have legal rights to operate in the Management
Unit, which fit the legal status of The Organization and of the Management Unit, and shall
comply with the associated legal obligations in applicable national and local laws and reg-
ulations and administrative requirements. The legal rights shall provide for harvest of
products and/or supply of ecosystem services from within the Management Unit. The Or-
ganization shall pay the legally prescribed charges associated with such rights and obli -
gations. (C1.1, 1.2, 1.3 P&C V4)
Indicator 1.3.1 All activities undertaken in the Management Unit*, including harvesting of
products and/or offering ecosystem services are carried out in compliance with applicable
laws* and regulations and administrative requirements. Any cases of trespassing are pe-
nalized according to internal procedures and legal provisions.
Indicator 1.3.2 Payment of all applicable legally prescribed charges connected with forest*
management is made according to legal provisions.
Indicator 1.3.3 Activities covered by the management plan* are designed to comply with
all applicable laws*.
Indicator 1.3.4. When conflicts between FSC standard and national legislation are identi-
fied, they should be presented to the auditors.
Note: In case of conflicts between provisions of FSC standard and national legislation, the
national legislation provisions would prevail, if they refer to mandatory management mea-
sures
Criterion 1.4. The Organization shall develop and implement measures, and/or shall en-

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gage with regulatory agencies, to systematically protect the Management Unit from unau-
thorized or illegal resource use, settlement and other illegal activities. (C1.5 P&C V4)
Indicator 1.4.1 Measures are implemented to provide protection* from unauthorized or il-
legal harvesting, hunting, fishing, trapping, collecting, settlement and other unauthorized
activities.
Indicator 1.4.2 Where protection* is not the legal* responsibility of the Organization, a sys-
tem is implemented to work with regulatory bodies to identify, report, control and discour-
age unauthorized or illegal activities.
Indicator 1.4.3 If illegal or unauthorized activities are detected, measures are imple-
mented to address them.
Criterion 1.5. The Organization shall comply with the applicable national laws, local laws,
ratified international conventions and obligatory codes of practice, relating to the trans-
portation and trade of forest products within and from the Management Unit, and/or up to
the point of first sale. (C1.3 P&C V4)
Indicator 1.5.1 Compliance with applicable national laws*, local laws*, ratified* interna-
tional conventions and EU regulations relating to the transportation and trade of forest
products up to the point of first sale is demonstrated.
Indicator 1.5.2 Compliance with CITES provisions is demonstrated, including through pos-
session of certificates for harvest and trade in any CITES species.
Indicator 1.5.3 The Organization implements a system for EUTR, including corrective
measures proposed by the competent authority
Criterion 1.6. The Organization shall identify, prevent and resolve disputes over issues of
statutory or customary law, which can be settled out of court in a timely manner, through
engagement with affected stakeholders. (C2.3 P&C V4)
See Annex G
Indicator 1.6.1 A publically available* dispute* resolution process is in place; developed
through culturally appropriate* engagement* with affected stakeholders*.
Indicator 1.6.2 Disputes* that can be settled out of court are either resolved or are in the
dispute* resolution process according to legal provisions and/or internal procedures of the
Organization.
Indicator 1.6.3 Up to date records of disputes are held including:
1) Steps taken to resolve disputes*;
2) Outcomes of all dispute* resolution processes; and
3) Unresolved disputes*, the reasons they are not resolved, and how they will be re-
solved.
Indicator 1.6.4 When disputes are solved in a court of justice, court decisions on ceasing
forestry operations will be respected
Criterion 1.7. The Organization shall publicize a commitment not to offer or receive
bribes in money or any other form of corruption, and shall comply with anti-corruption leg-
islation where this exists. In the absence of anti-corruption legislation, The Organization
shall implement other anti-corruption measures proportionate to the scale and intensity of
management activities and the risk of corruption. (new)
Indicator 1.7.1 An anti-corruption policy, specific to the forestry field, is elaborated and im-
plemented. It includes a commitment not to offer or receive bribes of any description.
Indicator 1.7.2 The policy meets at least the legal provisions related to anti-corruption.

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Indicator 1.7.3 The policy is known and assumed by the employees of the Organization.
Indicator 1.7.4 The policy is publicly available* at no cost.
Indicator 1.7.5 If bribery or other corruption actions occur, corrective measures are imple -
mented according to legal provisions and internal procedures.
Criterion 1.8. The Organization shall demonstrate a long-term commitment to adhere to
the FSC Principles and Criteria in the Management Unit, and to related FSC Policies and
Standards. A statement of this commitment shall be contained in a publicly available doc-
ument made freely available. (C1.6 P&C V4)
Indicator 1.8.1 A written policy, endorsed by an individual with authority to implement the
policy, includes a long-term* commitment to forest* management practices consistent with
FSC Principles* and Criteria* and related Policies and Standards. The policy will manda -
tory include references to the anti-corruption policy and will be brought to the attention of
all employees
Indicator 1.8.2 The policy is publicly available* at no cost.
Go to Annex G
Go to Annex A.

PRINCIPLE 2: WORKERS’ RIGHTS AND EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS


The Organization shall maintain or enhance the social and economic wellbeing of work -
ers*. (new)
Criterion 2.1 The Organization shall uphold the principles and rights at work as defined in
the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (1998) based on the
eight ILO Core Labor Conventions. (C4.3 P&C V4)
Indicator 2.1.1 Employment practices and conditions for workers* demonstrate conformity
with applicable national legislation which ratifies the ILO Core Labor Conventions as de-
fined in the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (1998).
Indicator 2.1.2 Workers* are able to establish or join labor organizations of their own
choosing subject only to the rules of the labor organization concerned.
Indicator 2.1.3 Where agreements resulting from collective bargaining with formal and in-
formal workers organizations* exist, they are implemented.
Criterion 2.2. The Organization shall promote gender equality in employment practices,
training opportunities, awarding of contracts, processes of engagement and management
activities. (new)
Indicator 2.2.1 Systems are implemented that promote gender equality* and prevent gen-
der discrimination in employment practices, training opportunities, awarding of contracts,
processes of engagement* and management activities of the Organization.
Indicator 2.2.2 There is no sexual discrimination for employees on job opportunities,
awarding of contracts, training opportunities for the specific work, participation in decision
making within the Organization and payment of salaries
Indicator 2.2.3 Maternity/paternity leave is no less than a six-week period after childbirth.

Indicator 2.2.4 Paternity leave is available and there is no penalty for taking it.

Indicator 2.2.5 Meetings, management committees and decision-making forums are orga-
nized to include women and men, and to facilitate the active participation of both.

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Indicator 2.2.6 Confidential and effective mechanisms exist for reporting and eliminating
cases of sexual harassment and discrimination based on gender, marital status, parent-
hood or sexual orientation

Criterion 2.3. The Organization shall implement health and safety practices to protect
workers from occupational safety and health hazards. These practices shall, proportion -
ate to scale, intensity and risk of management activities, meet or exceed the recommen-
dations of the ILO Code of Practice on Safety and Health in Forestry Work. (C4.2 P&C
V4)
Indicator 2.3.1. Health and safety practices are developed and implemented that meet or
exceed the ILO Code of Practice on Safety and Health in Forestry Work.
Indicator 2.3.2 Workers* have personal protective equipment appropriate to their as-
signed tasks. The equipment is provided by the employer at no cost.
Indicator 2.3.3 Use of personal protective equipment is enforced.
Indicator 2.3.4 Personal protective equipment is used during work activities
Indicator 2.3.5 Records are kept on health and safety practices including accident rates
and lost time to accidents.
Indicator 2.3.6 The health and safety practices are reviewed and revised, if required, after
major incidents or accidents
Criterion 2.4. The Organization shall pay wages that meet or exceed minimum forest in-
dustry standards or other recognized forest industry wage agreements or living wages,
where these are higher than the legal minimum wages. When none of these exist, The
Organization shall through engagement with workers develop mechanisms for determin-
ing living wages. (new)
Indicator 2.4.1 Wages paid by The Organization* in all circumstances meet or exceed le-
gal* minimum wage rates.
Indicator 2.4.2 Wages, salaries and social contributions and/or other rights are paid/of-
fered according to the legal provisions.
Criterion 2.5 The Organization shall demonstrate that workers have job-specific training
and supervision to safely and effectively implement the Management Plan and all man-
agement activities. (C7.3 P&C V4)
Indicator 2.5.1. The Organization has a training plan specific to the job positions to ensure
the implementation of the management plan. The plan is revised periodically according to
the needs of the Organization.
Indicator 2.5.2 Workers* have job specific qualifications consistent with the legal provi-
sions.
Indicator 2.5.3 Up to date training records are kept for all relevant workers*.
Indicator 2.5.4 Workers know the specific job tasks in order to ensure the implementation
of the management plan.
Criterion 2.6 The Organization through engagement with workers shall have mecha-
nisms for resolving grievances and for providing fair compensation to workers for loss or
damage to property, occupational
Indicator 2.6.1 A dispute* resolution process is in place, developed through culturally ap-
propriate* engagement* with workers* .
Indicator 2.6.2 Workers* grievances are identified and responded to and are either re-

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solved or are in the dispute* resolution process from 2.6.1.


Indicator 2.6.3 Up-to-date records of workers* grievances related to workers* loss or dam-
age of property, occupational diseases* or injuries are maintained including: steps taken
to resolve grievances; outcomes of all dispute* resolution processes including fair com-
pensation*.
Indicator 2.6.4 Fair compensation* is provided to workers* for work-related loss or dam -
age of property and occupational disease* or injuries.

PRINCIPLE 3: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ RIGHTS


The Organization shall identify and uphold Indigenous Peoples’ legal and customary
rights of ownership, use and management of land, territories and resources affected by
management activities. (P3 P&C V4)
According to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous People (Factsheet
‘Who are indigenous peoples’ October 2007; United Nations Development Group, ‘Guide-
lines on Indigenous Peoples’ Issues’ United Nations 2009, United Nations Declaration on
the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, 13 September 2007), in Romania there are no such in-
digenous people.

The present situation of inhabitants at country level is a product of a long historical evolu -
tion which has resulted in cohabitation of the ethnical group of majority, the Romanians
(89,5%), together with other ethnical groups. None of these can claim the indigenous pop-
ulation status. Furthermore, all members of all groups, regardless their ethnical affiliation,
according to the Constitution and all valid legislation, have equal rights.

Therefore, the entire principle is N/A for the country.

Criterion 3.1. The Organization shall identify the Indigenous Peoples that exist within the
Management Unit or those that are affected by management activities. The Organization
shall then, through engagement with these Indigenous Peoples, identify their rights of ten-
ure, their rights of access to and use of forest resources and ecosystem services, their
customary rights and legal rights and obligations that apply within the Management Unit.
The Organization shall also identify areas where these rights are contested. (new)

Not applicable
Criterion 3.2. The Organization shall recognize and uphold the legal and customary
rights of Indigenous Peoples to maintain control over management activities within or re-
lated to the Management Unit to the extent necessary to protect their rights, resources
and lands and territories. Delegation by Indigenous Peoples of control over management
activities to third parties requires Free, Prior and Informed Consent. (C3.1 and 3.2 P&C
V4)
Not applicable
Criterion 3.3. In the event of delegation of control over management activities, a binding
agreement between The Organization and the Indigenous Peoples shall be concluded
through Free, Prior and Informed Consent. The agreement shall define its duration, provi-
sions for renegotiation, renewal, termination, economic conditions and other terms and

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conditions. The agreement shall make provision for monitoring by Indigenous Peoples of
The Organization’s compliance with its terms and conditions. (new)
Not applicable
Criterion 3.4 The Organization shall recognize and uphold the rights, customs and cul-
ture of Indigenous Peoples as defined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples (2007) and ILO Convention 169 (1989). (C3.2P&C V4)
Not applicable

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Criterion 3.5. The Organization, through engagement with Indigenous Peoples, shall
identify sites which are of special cultural, ecological, economic, religious or spiritual sig-
nificance and for which these Indigenous Peoples hold legal or customary rights. These
sites shall be recognized by The Organization and their management, and/or protection
shall be agreed through engagement with these Indigenous Peoples. (C3.3P&C V4)
Not applicable
Criterion 3.6. The Organization shall uphold the right of Indigenous Peoples to protect
and utilize their traditional knowledge and shall compensate local communities for the uti-
lization of such knowledge and their intellectual property. A binding agreement as per Cri-
terion 3.3 shall be concluded between The Organization and the Indigenous Peoples for
such utilization through Free, Prior and Informed Consent before utilization takes place,
and shall be consistent with the protection of intellectual property rights. (C3.4 P&C V4)
Not applicable
PRINCIPLE 4: COMMUNITY RELATIONS
The Organization shall contribute to maintaining or enhancing the social and economic
wellbeing of local communities. (P4 P&C V4)
Criterion 4.1. The Organization shall identify the local communities that exist within the
Management Unit and those that are affected by management activities. The Organiza-
tion shall then, through engagement with these local communities, identify their rights of
tenure, their rights of access to and use of forest resources and ecosystem services, their
customary rights and legal rights and obligations that apply within the Management Unit.
(new)
Indicator 4.1.1 Local communities* that exist in the Management Unit* and those that may
be affected by management activities are identified.
Indicator 4.1.2 The Organization knows the rights of local communities regarding land
ownership and access to and use of forest resources and ecosystem services. Local
communities are engaged in the process for identifying their rights.
Criterion 4.2. The Organization shall recognize and uphold the legal and customary
rights of local communities to maintain control over management activities within or re-
lated to the Management Unit to the extent necessary to protect their rights, resources,
lands and territories. Delegation by local communities of control over management activi-
ties to third parties requires Free, Prior and Informed Consent. (C2.2 P&C V4)
Indicator 4.2.1 Through culturally appropriate* engagement* local communities* are in-
formed of when, where and how they can comment on and request modification to man-
agement activities to the extent necessary to protect their rights.
Indicator 4.2.2 The rights of local communities* and written agreements are not repeat -
edly violated by the management activities of the Organization*.
Indicator 4.2.3 Where evidence exists that legal rights* of local communities* related to
management activities have been violated the situation is corrected, if necessary, through
culturally appropriate* engagement* and/or through the dispute* resolution process in Cri -
teria* 1.6 or 4.6.
Indicator 4.2.4 Free, Prior and Informed Consent* is granted by local communities* prior

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to management activities that affect their identified rights within their lands, through a
process that includes:
1) Informing the local communities* of the value, in economic, social and environmental
terms, of the resource over which they are considering delegation of control;
2) Contracts and agreements with local communities* include their right to withhold or
modify consent to the proposed management activities to the extent necessary to protect
their rights and resources; and
3) Informing the local communities* of the current and future planned forest* management
activities.
Criterion 4.3. The Organization shall provide reasonable opportunities for employment,
training and other services to local communities, contractors and suppliers proportionate
to scale and intensity of its management activities. (C4.1 P&C V4)
Indicator 4.3.1 Reasonable* opportunities are communicated and provided to local com-
munities*, local contractors and local suppliers for:
1) Employment and
2) Training
Criterion 4.4.The Organization shall implement additional activities, through engagement
with local communities that contribute to their social and economic development, propor-
tionate to the scale, intensity and socio-economic impact of its management activities.
(C4.4 P&C V4)
Indicator 4.4.1 Opportunities for local social and economic development are identified
through culturally appropriate * engagement* with local communities* and other relevant
organizations.
Indicator 4.4.2 Projects and additional activities identified in compliance with the manage-
ment objectives and legal provisions are implemented and/or supported that contribute to
local social and economic benefit and are proportionate to the socio-economic impact of
management activities.
NOTE: This indicator refers only to facilitating access, in compliance with the legal provi -
sions and appropriate to the processing capacity of small local enterprises, to
harvesting/timber sales
Indicator 4.4.3 When the Organization has the majority of the forestland area surrounding
the local communities, it will offer, in compliance with the legal provisions and at a market
price, timber for local needs, proportionate to the scale and intensity of management ac-
tivities
NOTE: The Organization is not obliged to offer harvesting and transportation services to
the local population.
Criterion 4.5. The Organization, through engagement with local communities, shall take
action to identify, avoid and mitigate significant negative social, environmental and eco-
nomic impacts of its management activities on affected communities. The action taken
shall be proportionate to the scale, intensity and risk of those activities and negative im-
pacts. (C4.4 P&C V4)
Indicator 4.5.1 The Organization is implementing procedures for assessing socio-eco-

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nomic and environmental impact of its management activities through culturally appropri-
ate* engagement* of local communities*.
Indicator 4.5.2 When significant* negative social, environmental and economic impacts of
management activities occur, through culturally appropriate* engagement* of local com-
munities*, measures to avoid/reduce/compensate these impacts are established and im-
plemented.
Indicator 4.5.3 The Organization is monitoring the efficiency of the measures implemented
to avoid/reduce the significant* negative impacts
Criterion 4.6. The Organization, through engagement with local communities, shall have
mechanisms for resolving grievances and providing fair compensation to local communi-
ties and individuals with regard to the impacts of management activities of The Organiza -
tion. (C4.5 P&CV4)
After discussions in the SDG group and after field testing, provisions of indicators 4.6.1 to
4.6.4 were considered redundant with those of indicators 1.6.1 to 1.6.4 (as communities
are also affected stakeholders). Therefore, the indicators from 4.6 were considered as in-
cluded already in those from 1.6 and as a result were deleted to avoid redundancy.
Criterion 4.7 The Organization, through engagement with local communities, shall iden-
tify sites which are of special cultural, ecological, economic, religious or spiritual signifi-
cance, and for which these local communities hold legal or customary rights. These sites
shall be recognized by The Organization, and their management and/or protection shall
be agreed through engagement with these local communities. (new)
Indicator 4.7.1 Sites of special cultural, ecological, economic, religious or spiritual signifi-
cance for which local communities* hold legal* or customary rights* are identified through
culturally appropriate* engagement* and are recognized by The Organization*.These
sites are marked on maps.
Indicator 4.7.2 Measures to protect such sites are documented and implemented accord-
ing to the legal provisions through culturally appropriate engagement* with local commu-
nities*.
Indicator 4.7.3 Whenever sites of special cultural, ecological, economic, religious or spiri-
tual significance are newly observed or discovered, management activities cease immedi-
ately in the vicinity until protective measures have been agreed to with the local communi-
ties*, and as directed by the legislation.
Criterion 4.8 The Organization shall uphold the right of local communities to protect and
utilize their traditional knowledge and shall compensate local communities for the utiliza-
tion of such knowledge and their intellectual property. A binding agreement as per Crite -
rion 3.3 shall be concluded between The Organization and the local communities for such
utilization through Free, Prior and Informed Consent before utilization takes place, and
shall be consistent with the protection of intellectual property rights. (new)
Not applicable in Romania. Forest management is strictly regulated by the state through
technical guidelines and harvesting rules. Machinery and technology are generally valid
across the country and are not particular to any communities or other entities. Knowledge
is not local but national (general), provided by specialized books, laws and regulations,

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etc.
PRINCIPLE 5: BENEFITS FROM THE FOREST
The Organization shall efficiently manage the range of multiple products and services of
the Management Unit to maintain or enhance long-term economic viability and the range
of social and environmental benefits. (P5 P&C V4)
Criterion 5.1. The Organization shall identify, produce, or enable the production of, diver-
sified benefits and/or products, based on the range of resources and ecosystem services
existing in the Management Unit in order to strengthen and diversify the local economy
proportionate to the scale and intensity of management activities. (C5.2 and 5.4 P&C V4).
Indicator 5.1.1 The range of resources and ecosystem services* that could strengthen
and diversify the local economy are identified.
Indicator 5.1.2 Consistent with management objectives*, the identified benefits and prod-
ucts are produced by The Organization* and/or made available for others to produce, to
strengthen and diversify the local economy.
NOTE: Other services and products than those provided under indicator 4.4.2 and 4.4.3
could be included here.
Indicator 5.1.3 When The Organization* makes FSC promotional claims regarding the
maintenance and/or enhancement of ecosystem services*, Annex B is followed regarding
additional requirements.
Criterion 5.2. The Organization shall normally harvest products and services from the
Management Unit at or below a level which can be permanently sustained. (C5.6 P&C
V4)
Indicator 5.2.1 Timber harvesting levels* are based on an analysis of current Best Avail-
able Information* on growth and yield; inventory of the forest*and maintenance of ecosys-
tem functions*.
Indicator 5.2.2 Based on the timber harvesting level* analysis, a maximum allowable an-
nual cut for timber is determined. This volume must not exceed the current growth over
the time period of the management plan. The volume harvested through regeneration cut-
tings cannot be higher than the maximum allowable level established by the forest man -
agement plan for its validity period.
Indicator 5.2.3 Actual annual harvest levels for timber are recorded. Maximum annual har-
vested volume from regeneration cuttings does not exceed the annual allowable cut.
NOTE: By exception, the maximum annual allowable cut from regeneration cuttings can
be exceeded by the volume not harvested in the previous years or by volume resulted
from natural disturbances.
The volume resulted from natural disturbances (and assimilated according to the national
legislation to regeneration cuttings) which exceeds the annual allowable cut will be sub -
tracted from the annual allowable cut of next years.
The maximum harvested volume from regeneration cuttings does not exceed the total al -
lowable cut established in the management plan for its entire validity timeframe
Indicator 5.2.4 For extraction of commercially harvested services and non-timber forest
products* under The Organization’s* control a sustainable harvest level is calculated and

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adhered to. Sustainable harvest levels are based on Best Available Information*. No har -
vesting above these levels will be allowed.
Criterion 5.3. The Organization shall demonstrate that the positive and negative external-
ities of operations are included in the management plan. (C5.1 P&C V4)
Indicator 5.3.1 Costs related to preventing, mitigating or compensating for negative social
and environment impacts of management activities are quantified and documented in the
management plan*.
Indicator 5.3.2 Benefits related to positive social and environment impacts of manage-
ment activities are identified and included in the management plan*.
Criterion 5.4. The Organization shall use local processing, local services, and local value
adding to meet the requirements of The Organization where these are available, propor-
tionate to scale, intensity and risk. If these are not locally available, The Organization
shall make reasonable attempts to help establish these services. (C5.2 P&C V4)
Indicator 5.4.1 Where cost, quality and capacity of non-local and local options are at least
equivalent, in compliance with legal provisions, local goods, services, processing and
value-added facilities are used.
Indicator 5.4.2 Reasonable* attempts are made to establish and encourage capacity
where local goods, services, processing and value-added facilities are not available.

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Criterion 5.5. The Organization shall demonstrate through its planning and expenditures
proportionate to scale, intensity and risk, its commitment to long-term economic viability.
(C5.1 P&C V4)
Indicator 5.5.1 Sufficient funds are allocated to implement the management plan* in order
to meet this standard and to ensure long-term* economic viability*. When the Organiza -
tion only offers forestry services, there is a policy for setting the responsibilities for ensur-
ing financial resources to reduce and/or compensate the damages produced by manage-
ment activities
Indicator 5.5.2 Expenditures and investments are made to implement the management
plan* in order to meet this standard and to ensure long-term* economic viability*.
Go to Annex B.

PRINCIPLE 6: ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES* AND IMPACTS


The Organization shall maintain, conserve and/or restore ecosystem services and envi-
ronmental values of the Management Unit, and shall avoid, repair or mitigate negative en-
vironmental impacts. (P6 P&C V4)
Criterion 6.1. The Organization shall assess environmental values in the Management
Unit and those values outside the Management Unit potentially affected by management
activities. This assessment shall be undertaken with a level of detail, scale and frequency
that is proportionate to the scale, intensity and risk of management activities, and is suffi-
cient for the purpose of deciding the necessary conservation measures, and for detecting
and monitoring possible negative impacts of those activities. (new)
Indicator 6.1.1 Best Available Information* is used to identify environmental values* within,
and, where potentially affected by management activities, outside of the Management
Unit*, at a detail level appropriate to the scale, intensity and risk of the management activ -
ities.
Note 1: Examples of relevant information sources:
a. Forest management plans
b. Annual report on environment (produced by Environmental Protection Agencies)
c. Environmental studies (examples: Technical report according to Ministry order 19/2010;
Appropriate assessment studies; Environmental reports; Environmental impact reports)
d. Management plans (ex: for protected areas, for watersheds)
Note 2. Categories of environmental values to be assessed:
a. Biological diversity
b. Water resources
c. Soils
d. Air
Criterion 6.2. Prior to the start of site-disturbing activities, The Organization shall identify
and assess the scale, intensity and risk of potential impacts of management activities on

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the identified environmental values. (C6.1 P&C V4)


Indicator 6.2.1 An environmental impact assessment* identifies potential present and fu-
ture impacts of management activities on environmental values*, from the stand level to
the landscape level. The assessment will be carried before starting the activities.
1. If national legislation requires an environmental impact assessment, this will be carried
out according to the legal provisions
2. At the time of tree marking for harvesting, where the legislation does not require an en-
vironmental impact assessment, the Organization evaluates the impact of its activities on
the identified environmental values, according to the requirements of this standard
Criterion 6.3. The Organization shall identify and implement effective actions to prevent
negative impacts of management activities on the environmental values, and to mitigate
and repair those that occur, proportionate to the scale, intensity and risk of these impacts.
(C6.1 P&C V4)
Indicator 6.3.1 Management activities are identified, planned and implemented to prevent
negative impacts and to protect environmental values*(identified at Criterion 6.1). There is
a procedure which includes measures and responsibilities for preventing the negative im-
pacts on environment.
Indicator 6.3.2 The procedure is known by the employees and contractors
Indicator 6.3.3 Management activities prevent negative impacts to environmental values*
(identified at Criterion 6.1).
Indicator 6.3.4 Where negative impacts to environmental values* (identified at Criterion
6.1) occur, measures are adopted to prevent further damage, and negative impacts are
mitigated* and/or repaired*.
Criterion 6.4. The Organization shall protect rare species and threatened species and
their habitats in the Management Unit through conservation zones, protection areas, con-
nectivity and/or (where necessary) other direct measures for their survival and viability.
These measures shall be proportionate to the scale, intensity and risk of management ac-
tivities and to the conservation status and ecological requirements of the rare and threat-
ened species. The Organization shall take into account the geographic range and ecologi-
cal requirements of rare and threatened species beyond the boundary of the Management
Unit, when determining the measures to be taken inside the Management Unit. (C6.2
P&C V4)
NOTE to the Criterion 6.4
Species mentioned in Annex C.0 will be considered for this criterion.
Indicator 6.4.1 Best Available Information* is used to identify rare and threatened
species*, and their habitats*, including CITES species (where applicable) and those listed
on national, regional and local lists of rare and threatened species* that are present or
likely to be present within and adjacent to the Management Unit*.
1. There is a documentation on rare and threatened species present in the area of the
management unit
2. Appropriate to the scale and intensity of the management activities, identification of rare
and threatened species is carried out with consultation of relevant interested stakehold-

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ers and engagement of experts.


Indicator 6.4.2 Employees are trained on identification of rare and threatened species
present in the management unit
Indicator 6.4.3 Potential impacts of management activities on rare and threatened
species* and their conservation* status and habitats* are identified according to the pro-
cedure mentioned at 6.2.1. and management activities are modified to avoid negative im -
pacts.
1. There are procedure to identify impact on rare and threatened species
2. Proportional to the scale and intensity of the management activities, identification of
rare and threatened species has included consultation of relevant interested stakehold-
ers and engagement of experts
3. Where potential impact was identified, measures to prevent this impact are established.
4. There is evidence that prevention measures are implemented and management activi -
ties modified when necessary.
Indicator 6.4.4 The rare and threatened species* and their habitats* are protected, includ-
ing through the provision of conservation zones*, protection areas*, connectivity*, and
other direct means for their survival and viability, such as species’ recovery programs.
1. There are procedures to designate conservation/protection zones* and connectivity* ar-
eas
2. These areas are located on maps
3. Where information is available, conservation zones* and connectivity* areas will be
designated in relation to other similar areas existent in areas adjacent to the management
unit.
4. In case of recovery programs, there is evidence that recovery measures implemented
are respected by the Organization and management activities are modified if necessary
Indicator 6.4.4 Hunting, fishing, trapping and collection of rare or threatened species* is
done in compliance with legal provisions.

Criterion 6.5 The Organization shall identify and protect representative sample areas of
native ecosystems and/or restore them to more natural conditions. Where representative
sample areas do not exist or are insufficient, The Organization shall restore a proportion
of the Management Unit to more natural conditions. The size of the areas and the mea -
sures taken for their protection or restoration, including within plantations, shall be propor-
tionate to the conservation status and value of the ecosystems at the landscape level, and
the scale, intensity and risk of management activities. (C6.4 and 10.5 P&C V4 and Motion
2014#7)
Note: For Indicators 6.5.1 and 6.5.2 Annexes C.1 and C.2 will be used.
Indicator 6.5.1 Best Available Information* is used to identify native ecosystems* that ex-
ist, or would exist under natural conditions*, within the Management Unit *.
Identification of representative areas will take into account the following selection criteria
and priority ranking:

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- primary forests (HCVF 3)


- high natural value habitats (e.g. bog woodlands, dwarf pine scrubs, natural sparse
woodlands, alder riparian forests)(regardless if they meet or not the size area limit for
HCVF 3)
- marginal habitats
- areas already included in protected areas of national or community importance
- samples of representative forest types, with a favorable conservation status
- compact forest areas able to ensure their self regulation. Where possible, the minimum
area of such areas will be at least 25 ha.
Indicator 6.5.2 Representative Sample Areas* of native ecosystems* are identified, desig-
nated and conserved where they exist. Designation will follow the selection criteria and
priority ranking from 6.5.1.
Indicator 6.5.3 Where Representative Sample Areas* do not exist, or where existing sam-
ple areas inadequately represent native ecosystems*, or are otherwise insufficient, a pro -
portion of the Management Unit* is restored* to more natural conditions*.
1. Areas selected for restoration to more natural conditions* (towards the natural forest
type) are identified and located on maps
2. There is evidence on planning and implementing of restoration to more natural condi -
tions* processes.
Indicator 6.5.4 The size of the Representative Sample Areas* and/or restoration* areas is
proportionate to the conservation* status and value of the ecosystems* at the landscape*
level and their proportion within the Management Unit*.
Indicator 6.5.5 Representative Sample Areas* in combination with other components of
the conservation areas network* comprise a minimum 10% area of the Management Unit*
to ensure conservation of biodiversity. Areas designated here are located on maps.

NOTE: for group certification, the 10% are considered at the entire certificate (not for each
member)

Criterion 6.6. The Organization shall effectively maintain the continued existence of natu-
rally occurring native species and genotypes, and prevent losses of biological diversity,
especially through habitat management in the Management Unit. The Organization shall
demonstrate that effective measures are in place to manage and control hunting, fishing,
trapping and collecting. (C6.2 and C6.3 P&C V4)
Indicator 6.6.1 Management maintains, enhances, or restores* habitat features* associ-
ated with native ecosystems*, to support the diversity of naturally occurring species and
their genetic diversity.
Indicator 6.6.2 Management activities maintain marginal habitats*
Indicator 6.6.3 In compliance with legal provisions, effective measures are taken to man-
age and control hunting, fishing, trapping and collecting activities to ensure that naturally
occurring native species*, their diversity within species and their natural distribution are
maintained.

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Criterion 6.7. The Organization shall protect or restore natural watercourses, water bod-
ies, riparian zones and their connectivity. The Organization shall avoid negative impacts
on water quality and quantity and mitigate and remedy those that occur. (C6.5 and 10.2
P&C V4)
Indicator 6.7.1 Buffer areas along permanent water courses are established to maintain
specific habitat conditions. These areas will be maintained through conservation works
Indicator 6.7.2 Crossing of permanent water courses is allowed in places previously es-
tablished and marked in the field and on maps.
Indicator 6.7.3 Where possible, for crossing culverts will be used
Indicator 6.7.4 Permanent water courses are not blocked by the Organization except for
situations authorized by the competent authority.

Indicator 6.7.5 Roads and extraction routes will not enter the riverbed where viable alter-
native solutions exist.

Indicator 6.7.6 Chemicals will not be used at distances under 10 m from water courses
and under 20 m from water bodies and reservoirs.

Indicator 6.7.7 No siltation of permanent water courses occurs

Indicator 6.7.8 Wet areas identified as marginal habitats will not be drained

Indicator 6.7.9 Where natural watercourses, water bodies*, riparian zones* and their con-
nectivity*, water quantity or water quality have been damaged by activities on land and
water by The Organization*, previous managers or contractors, restoration activities* are
implemented.

Criterion 6.8. The Organization shall manage the landscape in the Management Unit to
maintain and/or restore a varying mosaic of species, sizes, ages, spatial scales and re-
generation cycles appropriate for the landscape values in that region, and for enhancing
environmental and economic resilience. (C10.2 and 10.3 P&C V4)
Indicator 6.8.1 A varying mosaic of species, sizes, ages, spatial scales*, and regeneration
cycles is maintained appropriate to the landscape*.
Indicator 6.8.2 The mosaic of species, sizes, ages, spatial scales*, and regeneration cy-
cles is restored* where it has not been maintained appropriate to the landscape*.
Criterion 6.9. The Organization shall not convert natural forest to plantations, nor natural
forests or plantations on sites directly converted from natural forest to non-forest land use,
except when the conversion:
a) Affects a very limited portion of the area of the Management Unit, and
b) Will produce clear, substantial, additional, secure long-term conservation ben-
efits in the Management Unit, and
c) Does not damage or threaten High Conservation Values, nor any sites or re-
sources necessary to maintain or enhance those High Conservation Values.
(C6.10 P&C V4 and Motion 2014#7)
Indicator 6.9.1 There is no conversion of natural forest* to plantations*, nor conversion of

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natural forests* to non-forest* land use, nor conversion of plantations* on sites directly
converted from natural forest* to non-forest* land use, except for cases of national inter -
est/public utility or when the conversion:
1) Affects a very limited portion* of the Management Unit* (maximum 0,5%), and
2) The conversion will produce clear, substantial, additional, secure, long-term conserva-
tion* benefits in the Management Unit*; and
3) Does not damage or threaten High Conservation Values*, nor any sites or resources
necessary to maintain or enhance those High Conservation Values*.
Criterion 6.10. Management Units containing plantations that were established on areas
converted from natural forest after November 1994 shall not qualify for certification, ex-
cept where:
a) Clear and sufficient evidence is provided that The Organization was not di-
rectly or indirectly responsible for the conversion, or
b) The conversion affected a very limited portion of the area of the Management
Unit and is producing clear, substantial, additional, secure long-term conser-
vation benefits in the Management Unit. (C10.9 P&C V4)
Indicator 6.10.1 Based on Best Available Information*, accurate data is compiled on all
conversions since 1994.
Go to Annex C.0
Go to Annex C.1
Go to Annex C.2

PRINCIPLE 7: MANAGEMENT PLANNING


The Organization shall have a management plan consistent with its policies and objec-
tives and proportionate to scale, intensity and risks of its management activities. The
management plan shall be implemented and kept up to date based on monitoring infor-
mation in order to promote adaptive management. The associated planning and proce-
dural documentation shall be sufficient to guide staff, inform affected stakeholders and in-
terested stakeholders and to justify management decisions. (P7 P&CV4)
Criterion 7.1. The Organization shall, proportionate to scale, intensity and risk of its man-
agement activities, set policies (visions and values) and objectives for management,
which are environmentally sound, socially beneficial and economically viable. Summaries
of these policies and objectives shall be incorporated into the management plan, and pub-
licized. (C7.1a P&C V4)
Indicator 7.1.1 Policies (vision and values) that contribute to meeting the requirements of
this standard are defined.
Indicator 7.1.2 Specific, operational management objectives* that address the require-
ments of this standard are defined.
Indicator 7.1.3 A summary of the defined policies and management objectives* is avail-
able for the public.
Criterion 7.2. The Organization shall have and implement a management plan for the
Management Unit which is fully consistent with the policies and management objectives

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as established according to Criterion 7.1. The management plan shall describe the natural
resources that exist in the Management Unit and explain how the plan will meet the FSC
certification requirements. The management plan shall cover forest management planning
and social management planning proportionate to scale, intensity and risk of the planned
activities. (C7.1 P&C V4)
Indicator 7.2.1 The management plan* includes management actions, procedures, strate-
gies and measures to achieve the management objectives*.
Indicator 7.2.2 The management plan* addresses the elements listed in Annex E, and is
implemented.
Criterion 7.3. The management plan shall include verifiable targets by which progress to-
wards each of the prescribed management objectives can be assessed. (new)
Indicator 7.3.1 Verifiable targets*, and the frequency that they are assessed, are estab-
lished for monitoring the progress towards each management objective*.
Criterion 7.4. The Organization shall update and revise periodically the management
planning and procedural documentation to incorporate the results of monitoring and eval-
uation, stakeholder engagement or new scientific and technical information, as well as to
respond to changing environmental, social and economic circumstances. (C7.2 P&C V4)
Indicator 7.4.1 The management plan* is revised and updated periodically consistent with
Annex I to incorporate:
1) Monitoring results, including results of certification audits;
2) Evaluation results;
3) Stakeholder engagement* results;
4) New scientific and technical information, and
5) Changing environmental, social, or economic circumstances.
Criterion 7.5. The Organization shall make publicly available a summary of the manage-
ment plan free of charge. Excluding confidential information, other relevant components of
the management plan shall be made available to affected stakeholders on request, and at
cost of reproduction and handling. (C7.4 P&C V4)
Indicator 7.5.1 A summary of the management plan* (general description of the manage-
ment unit and proposed actions) in a format comprehensible to stakeholders including
maps and excluding confidential information* is made publicly available* at no cost.
Indicator 7.5.2 Relevant components of the management plan*, excluding confidential in-
formation*, are available to affected stakeholders* on request at the actual costs of repro -
duction and handling.
Criterion 7.6. The Organization shall, proportionate to scale, intensity and risk of man-
agement activities, proactively and transparently engage affected stakeholders in its man-
agement planning and monitoring processes, and shall engage interested stakeholders
on request. (C4.4 P&C V4)
Indicator 7.6.1 Culturally appropriate* engagement* is used to ensure that affected stake-
holders* are proactively and transparently engaged in the following processes:
1) Dispute* resolution processes (Criterion* 1.6, Criterion* 2.6, Criterion* 4.6);
2) Identification of rights (Criterion* 3.1, Criterion* 4.1), sites (Criterion* 3.5, Criterion* 4.7)
and impacts (Criterion* 4.5);

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3) Local communities’* socio-economic development activities (Criterion* 4.4); and


4) High Conservation Value* assessment, management and monitoring (Criterion* 9.1,
Criterion* 9.2, Criterion* 9.4).
Indicator 7.6.2 Culturally appropriate* engagement* is used to:
1) Determine appropriate representatives and contact points (including where appropriate,
local institutions, organizations and authorities);
2) Determine mutually agreed communication channels allowing for information to flow in
both directions;
3) Ensure all actors (women, youth, elderly, minorities) are represented and engaged eq-
uitably;
4) Ensure all meetings, all points discussed and all agreements reached are recorded;
5) Ensure the content of meeting records is approved; and
6) Ensure the results of all culturally appropriate* engagement* activities are shared with
those involved.
Indicator 7.6.3 Affected stakeholders* are provided with an opportunity for culturally ap-
propriate* engagement* in monitoring and planning processes of management activities
that affect their interests.
Indicator 7.6.4 On request, interested stakeholders* are consulted in monitoring and plan-
ning processes of management activities that affect their interests.
Go to Annex E.
Go to Annex I

PRINCIPLE 8: MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT


The Organization shall demonstrate that, progress towards achieving the management
objectives, the impacts of management activities and the condition of the Management
Unit, are monitored and evaluated proportionate to the scale, intensity and risk of man-
agement activities, in order to implement adaptive management. (P8 P&C V4)
Criterion 8.1. The Organization shall monitor the implementation of its Management
Plan, including its policies and management objectives, its progress with the activities
planned, and the achievement of its verifiable targets. (new)
Indicator 8.1.1 Procedures are documented and executed for monitoring the implementa-
tion of the management plan* including its policies and management objectives* and
achievement of verifiable targets* defined at 7.3.
Indicator 8.1.2 Monitoring procedures from 8.1.1. are:
-correlated with the results of impact assessments done under 6.2.
-proportional with the scale and intensity of management activities
Criterion 8.2. The Organization shall monitor and evaluate the environmental and social
impacts of the activities carried out in the Management Unit, and changes in its environ-
mental condition. (C8.2 P&C V4)
Indicator 8.2.1 The environmental impacts of management activities are monitored* con-
sistent with Annex I.
Indicator 8.2.2 The social impacts of management activities are monitored* consistent

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with Annex I.
Indicator 8.2.3 Changes in environmental conditions are monitored* consistent with Annex
I.
Criterion 8.3 The Organization shall analyze the results of monitoring and evaluation and
feed the outcomes of this analysis back into the planning process. (C8.4 P&C V4)
Indicator 8.3.1 Adaptive management* procedures are implemented so that monitoring re-
sults feed into periodic updates to the planning process and the resulting management
plan*.
Indicator 8.3.2 If monitoring results show non-conformities with the FSC Standard then
management objectives*, verifiable targets* and/or management activities are revised.
Criterion 8.4. The Organization shall make publicly available a summary of the results of
monitoring free of charge, excluding confidential information. (C8.5 P&C V4)
Indicator 8.4.1 A summary of the monitoring results consistent with Annex F, in a format
comprehensible to stakeholders excluding confidential information* is made publicly avail-
able* at no cost.
Criterion 8.5. The Organization shall have and implement a tracking and tracing system
proportionate to scale, intensity and risk of its management activities, for demonstrating
the source and volume in proportion to projected output for each year, of all products from
the Management Unit that are marketed as FSC certified. (C8.3 P&C V4)
Indicator 8.5.1 A system is implemented to track and trace all products that are marketed
as FSC certified.
Indicator 8.5.2 Information about all products sold is compiled and documented, including:
1) Common or scientific species name;
2) Product name or description;
3) Volume (or quantity) of product;
4) Information to trace the material to the source of origin logging block;
5) Logging date;
6) If basic processing activities take place in the forest, the date and volume produced;
and
7) Whether or not the material was sold as FSC certified.

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Indicator 8.5.3 Sales invoices or similar documentation are kept for a minimum of five
years for all products sold with an FSC claim, which identify at a minimum, the following
information:
1) Name and address of purchaser;
2) The date of sale;
3) Common or scientific species name or identification code (*species codes according to
the legal regulations);
4) Product description;
5) The volume (or quantity) sold;
6) Certificate code; and
7) The FSC Claim “FSC 100%” identifying products sold as FSC certified.
NOTE: for sales of standing volume, information from 3 and 4 will be found on sale
documents and not on the bill
Go to Annex F
Go to Annex I

PRINCIPLE 9: HIGH CONSERVATION VALUES


The Organization shall maintain and/or enhance the High Conservation Values in the
Management Unit through applying the precautionary approach. (P9 P&C V4)
Criterion 9.1. The Organization, through engagement with affected stakeholders, inter-
ested stakeholders and other means and sources, shall assess and record the presence
and status of the following High Conservation Values in the Management Unit, proportion-
ate to the scale, intensity and risk of impacts of management activities, and likelihood of
the occurrence of the High Conservation Values:
HCV 1 – Species diversity. Concentrations of biological diversity including endemic
species, and rare, threatened or endangered species, that are significant at global, re-
gional or national levels.
HCV 2 – Landscape-level ecosystems and mosaics. Intact forest landscapes and large
landscape-level ecosystems and ecosystem mosaics that are significant at global, re-
gional or national levels, and that contain viable populations of the great majority of the
naturally occurring species in natural patterns of distribution and abundance.
HCV 3 – Ecosystems and habitats. Rare, threatened, or endangered ecosystems, habi-
tats or refugia.
HCV 4 – Critical ecosystem services. Basic ecosystem services in critical situations, in-
cluding protection of water catchments and control of erosion of vulnerable soils and
slopes.
HCV 5 – Community needs. Sites and resources fundamental for satisfying the basic ne-
cessities of local communities or Indigenous Peoples (for livelihoods, health, nutrition, wa-
ter, etc.), identified through engagement with these communities or Indigenous Peoples.
HCV 6 – Cultural values. Sites, resources, habitats and landscapes of global or national

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cultural, archaeological or historical significance, and/or of critical cultural, ecological, eco-


nomic or religious/sacred importance for the traditional cultures of local communities or
Indigenous Peoples, identified through engagement with these local communities or In-
digenous Peoples. (C9.1 P&C V4 and Motion 2014#7)
Indicator 9.1.1 An assessment is completed using Best Available Information* that records
the location and status of High Conservation Value* Categories 1-6, as defined in Crite-
rion* 9.1 according to Annex D. The identified High Conservation Value Areas* are
mapped and boundaries marked in the field.
Indicator 9.1.2 The assessment uses results from culturally appropriate* engagement*
with affected* and interested stakeholders*.
Criterion 9.2.The Organization shall develop effective strategies that maintain and/or en-
hance the identified High Conservation Values, through engagement with affected stake-
holders, interested stakeholders and experts. (C9.2 P&C V4)
Indicator 9.2.1 Threats to High Conservation Values* are identified using Best Available
Information*.
Indicator 9.2.2. For areas where presence of High Conservation Values was indicated
during the culturally appropriate* engagement* with affected* and interested stakehold-
ers* but is yet uncertain, strategies and actions will have a precautionary approach.
Indicator 9.2.3. Management actions are developed to maintain and/or enhance the iden-
tified High Conservation Values* in their associated areas prior to implementing poten-
tially harmful management activities.
Indicator 9.2.4 Affected* and interested stakeholders* and experts are engaged in the de-
velopment of management measures to maintain and/or enhance the identified High Con-
servation Values*.
Criterion 9.3. The Organization shall implement strategies and actions that maintain
and/or enhance the identified High Conservation Values. These strategies and actions
shall implement the precautionary approach and be proportionate to the scale, intensity
and risk of management activities. (C9.3 P&C V4)
Indicator 9.3.1 The High Conservation Values* and the High Conservation Value Areas*
on which they depend are maintained and/or enhanced by implementing the management
actions developed.
Indicator 9.3.2 When the scientific information is incomplete or inconclusive, to prevent
damage and avoid risks to High Conservation Values*, a precautionary approach is used.
Indicator 9.3.3 Activities that harm High Conservation Values* cease immediately and ac-
tions are taken to restore* and protect the High Conservation Values*.
Indicator 9.3.4. The Organization takes action, in compliance with legal provisions, to pro-
tect and/or restore the High Conservation Values* in case of harmful activities which are
not under its control.
Criterion 9.4. The Organization shall demonstrate that periodic monitoring is carried out
to assess changes in the status of High Conservation Values, and shall adapt its manage-
ment strategies to ensure their effective protection. The monitoring shall be proportionate
to the scale, intensity and risk of management activities, and shall include engagement
with affected stakeholders, interested stakeholders and experts. (C9.4 P&C V4)

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Indicator 9.4.1 A program of periodic monitoring assesses:


1) Implementation and effectiveness of management actions meant to protect High Con -
servation Values*;
2) The status of High Conservation Values*, including High Conservation Value Areas* on
which they depend; and
Indicator 9.4.2 The monitoring program includes engagement* with affected* and inter-
ested stakeholders* and experts.
Indicator 9.4.3 Monitoring indicators and frequency allow the analysis of the evolution of
each High Conservation Value*.
Indicator 9.4.4 Management actions are adapted when monitoring or other new informa-
tion show that these strategies and actions are insufficient to ensure the maintenance
and/or enhancement of High Conservation Values*.

Go to Annex D.

PRINCIPLE 10: IMPLEMENTATION OF MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES


Management activities conducted by or for The Organization for the Management Unit
shall be selected and implemented consistent with The Organization’s economic, environ-
mental and social policies and objectives and in compliance with the Principles and Crite-
ria collectively. (new)
Criterion 10.1. After harvest or in accordance with the management plan, The Organiza-
tion shall, by natural or artificial regeneration methods, regenerate vegetation cover in a
timely fashion to pre-harvesting or more natural conditions. (new)
Indicator 10.1.1 Harvested sites are regenerated in a timely manner* that:
1) Protects affected environmental values*; and
2) Is suitable to recover overall pre-harvest* or natural forest* composition and structure.
Indicator 10.1.2 Regeneration activities* are implemented in a manner that:
1) For harvest of existing plantations*, regenerate to the vegetation cover that existed
prior to the harvest or to more natural conditions* using ecologically well-adapted species,
including indigenous/autochthonous species;
2) For harvest of natural forests*, regenerate to pre-harvest* or to more natural condi-
tions*; or
3) For harvest of degraded natural forests*, regenerate to more natural conditions*.
Criterion 10.2.The Organization shall use species for regeneration that are ecologically
well adapted to the site and to the management objectives. The Organization shall use
native species and local genotypes for regeneration, unless there is clear and convincing
justification for using others. (C10.4 and C10.8 P&C V4)
Indicator 10.2.1 Species* chosen for regeneration are ecologically well adapted to the
site, are native species* and are of local provenance, unless clear and convincing justifi-
cation is provided for using non-local genotypes* or non-native species*.
Indicator 10.2.2 Species chosen for regeneration are consistent with the regeneration ob-

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jectives* and with the management objectives*.


Criterion 10.3. The Organization shall only use alien species when knowledge and/or ex-
perience have shown that any invasive impacts can be controlled and effective mitigation
measures are in place. (C6.9 and C10.8 P&C V4)
Indicator 10.3.1 Alien invasive species from Annex J are not used by the Organization.
Indicator 10.3.2 Alien species* are used only when direct experience and/or the results of
scientific research demonstrate that invasive impacts can be controlled and when effec-
tive mitigation measures are in place to control their spread outside the area in which they
are established. The area covered by alien species must not exceed 10% from the man-
agement unit.
NOTE: The limit of 10% is not applicable for forests with land and soil special protection
functions (functional category 1.2)
Indicator 10.3.3 The spread of alien species* introduced by The Organization* is con-
trolled.
Indicator 10.3.4 Management activities are implemented, preferably in cooperation with
separate regulatory bodies where these exist, with an aim to control the invasive impacts
of alien species* that were not introduced by The Organization*.
Criterion 10.4 The Organization shall not use genetically modified organisms in the Man-
agement Unit. (C6.8 P&C V4)
Indicator 10.4.1 Genetically modified organisms* are not used.
Criterion 10.5 The Organization shall use silvicultural practices that are ecologically ap-
propriate for the vegetation, species, sites and management objectives. (new)
Indicator 10.5.1 Silvicultural practices are implemented that are ecologically appropriate
for the vegetation, species, sites and management objectives*.
Criterion 10.6. The Organization shall minimize or avoid the use of fertilizers. When fertil-
izers are used, The Organization shall demonstrate that use is equally or more ecologi-
cally and economically beneficial than use of silvicultural systems that do not require fertil-
izers, and prevent, mitigate, and/or repair damage to environmental values, including
soils. (C10.7 P&C V4 and Motion 2014#7)
Indicator 10.6.1 The use of fertilizers* is minimized or avoided.
Indicator 10.6.2 When fertilizers* are used, their ecological and economic benefits are
equal to or higher than those of silvicultural systems that do not require fertilizers*.
Indicator 10.6.3 When fertilizers* are used, their types, rates, frequencies and site of ap-
plication are documented.
Indicator 10.6.4 When fertilizers* are used, environmental values* are protected, including
through implementation of measures to prevent damage.

Indicator 10.6.5 Damage to environmental values* resulting from fertilizer* use is miti-
gated or repaired.

Criterion 10.7 The Organization shall use integrated pest management and silviculture
systems which avoid, or aim at eliminating, the use of chemical pesticides. The Organiza-
tion shall not use any chemical pesticides prohibited by FSC policy. When pesticides are
used, The Organization shall prevent, mitigate, and/or repair damage to environmental
values and human health. (C6.6 and C10.7 P&C V4)

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Indicator 10.7.1 Integrated pest management, including selection of silviculture* systems,


is used to avoid, or aim to eliminate, the frequency, extent and amount of chemical pesti -
cide* applications, and result in non-use or overall reductions in applications. As a result,
the Organization must ensure that:
- circumstances when pesticides are used are documented
- there is objective evidence which demonstrate that the use of pesticides is the only ef-
fective way to fulfill the management objectives.
Indicator 10.7.2 Chemical pesticides* prohibited by FSC’s Pesticide Policy are not used or
stored in the Management Unit* unless FSC has granted derogation.
Indicator 10.7.3 Records of pesticide* usage are maintained, including trade name, active
ingredient, quantity of active ingredient used, period of use, location and area of use and
reason for use.
Indicator 10.7.4 The use of pesticides* complies with the ILO document “Safety in the use
of chemicals at work” regarding requirements for the transport, storage, handling, applica-
tion and emergency procedures for cleanup following accidental spillages.
Indicator 10.7.5 If pesticides* are used, application methods minimize quantities used,
while achieving effective results, and provide effective protection* to surrounding land-
scapes*.
Indicator 10.7.6 Damage to environmental values* and human health from pesticide* use
is prevented and mitigated or repaired where damage occurs.
Indicator 10.7.7 When pesticides* are used:

1) The selected pesticide*, application method, timing and pattern of use offers the least
risk to humans and non-target species; and

2) Objective evidence demonstrates that the pesticide* is the only effective, practical and
cost effective way to control the pest.

Indicator 10.7.8 Where a potential risk is identified, affected stakeholders will be noticed
through culturally appropriate* ways prior to application of chemicals.

Criterion 10.8. The Organization shall minimize, monitor and strictly control the use of bi-
ological control agents in accordance with internationally accepted scientific protocols.
When biological control agents are used, The Organization shall prevent, mitigate, and/or
repair damage to environmental values. (C6.8 P&C V4)
Indicator 10.8.1 The use of biological control agents* is minimized, monitored* and con-
trolled.
Indicator 10.8.2 Use of biological control agents* complies with internationally accepted
scientific protocols*.
Indicator 10.8.3 The use of biological control agents* is recorded including type, quantity,
period, location and reason for use.
Indicator 10.8.4 Damage to environmental values* caused by the use of biological control
agents* is prevented and mitigated or repaired where damage occurs.
Criterion 10.9 The Organization shall assess risks and implement activities that reduce

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potential negative impacts from natural hazards proportionate to scale, intensity, and risk.
(new)
Indicator 10.9.1 Potential negative impacts of natural hazards* on infrastructure*, forest*
resources and communities in the Management Unit* are assessed.
NOTE: for this standard, natural disturbances include windthrow, wind and/or snow break-
age, forest fires, river high floods and/or overflows, insect outbreaks etc. Evaluation will
cover in each case the disturbances most common in the past within the Management
Unit
Indicator 10.9.2 Management activities mitigate these impacts.
Indicator 10.9.3 The risk* for management activities to increase the frequency, distribution
or severity of natural hazards* is identified for those hazards* that may be influenced by
management.
Indicator 10.9.4 Management activities are modified and/or measures are developed and
implemented that reduce the identified risks*.
Criterion 10.10 The Organization shall manage infrastructural development, transport ac-
tivities and silviculture so that water resources and soils are protected, and disturbance of
and damage to rare and threatened species, habitats, ecosystems and landscape values
are prevented, mitigated and/or repaired. (C6.5 P&C V4)
Indicator 10.10.1 Development, maintenance and use of infrastructure*, as well as trans-
port activities, are managed to protect environmental values* identified in Criterion* 6.1.
Indicator 10.10.3 Disturbance or damages to water courses*, water bodies*, soils, rare
and threatened species*, habitats*, ecosystems* and landscape values* are prevented,
mitigated and repaired in a timely manner*, and management activities modified to pre-
vent further damage.
Criterion 10.11. The Organization shall manage activities associated with harvesting and
extraction of timber and non-timber forest products so that environmental values are con-
served, merchantable waste is reduced, and damage to other products and services is
avoided. (C5.3 and C6.5 P&C V4)
Indicator 10.11.1 Harvesting and extraction practices for timber and non-timber forest
products* are implemented in a manner that conserves environmental values* as identi-
fied in Criterion* 6.1.
Indicator 10.11.2 Harvesting practices optimize the use of merchantable timber by reduc-
ing waste (harvesting debris, stumps height, abandoned timber etc.)
Indicator 10.11.3 After harvesting, sufficient amounts of dead wood are retained to con-
serve environmental values* (recommendations on dead wood - Annex H).
Indicator 10.11.4 Harvesting practices avoid damage to standing residual trees, regenera-
tion or designated conservation areas.
Criterion 10.12. The Organization shall dispose of waste materials in an environmentally
appropriate manner. (C6.7 P&C V4)
Indicator 10.12.1 Collection, clean up, transportation and disposal of all waste
materials*ensures conservation of environmental values* as identified in Criterion* 6.1.
Indicator 10.12.2 Machinery maintenance and reparation works which produce environ-
mental pollution are forbidden.
Indicator 10.12.3 Prevention measures are implemented to avoid oil and/or gas spillage

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due to management activities. If such spills occur, measures will be implemented to repair
the damage.
Go to Annex H
Go to Annex J

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8. Annexes to a Forest Stewardship Standard

Annex A List of applicable laws, regulations and nationally- ratified international


treaties, conventions and agreements

1. Legal rights to harvest


1.1. Land tenure and man- Law no. 46/2008 - Forest code with subsequent amendments
agement rights Law no. 133/2015- Amendments to the Forestry Code
Government Decision (HG) no. 301/2015 for the amendment of
Government Decision no. 229/2009 – on the reorganization of the
National Forest Administration-Romsilva and the approval of the
Organizational and Operational Rules.
Government Emergency Ordinance (OUG) no. 109/2011 on the
corporate governance of public enterprises
Government Decision no. 38/2015 on the organization and opera-
tion of Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests
Ministerial Order (OM) no. 904/2010 for the approval of the Proce-
dure for the setting up and authorization of the forest management
units and their functions, of the templates for the establishment, or-
ganization and operation documents, as well as the contents of the
National Register of forest administrators/managers and of forest
management organizations
Government Ordinance (OG) no. 41/2004 – on the establishment
of the territorial directorates for forests and hunting, with subse-
quent amendments
Government Decision no. 333 of April 21 st 2005 for the reorganiza-
tion of the territorial directorates for forests and hunting in territorial
inspectorates for forest and hunting
Government Decision no. 1206 of October 4 th 2007 for the amend-
ment of Government Decision 333/2005, for the reorganization of
the forests and hunting directorates in forest and hunting inspec-
torates
Law no. 18/19.02.1991 on the Land Fund, published in the Official
Journal of Romania, Part I, no. 37/20.02.1991, republished in the
Official Journal, Part I, no. 1/05.01.1998, with subsequent amend-
ments;
Law no. 169/27.10.1997 for the amendment of the Law on land
fund no. 18/1991, published in the Official Journal, Part I, no.
299/04.11.1997, with subsequent amendments;
Law no. 213/17.11.1998 on public property and its legal status,
published in the Official Journal, Part I, no. 448/24.11.1998, with
subsequent amendments;
Law no. 1/11.01.2000 for restoring the property rights on agricul-
tural land and on forest areas, claimed in compliance with the stipu-
lations of the Law on the land fund no. 18/1991 and of Law no.
169/1997, published in the Official Journal, Part I, no.
8/12.01.2000, with subsequent amendments;
Law no. 10/08.02.2001 on the legal status of some buildings abu-
sively taken by the state between March 66h 1945 and December
22nd 1989, published in the Official Journal, Part I, no.
75/14.02.2001, republished in the Official Journal, Part I, no.
798/02.09.2005, with subsequent amendments;
Law no. 165/16.05.2013 on the completion of the process of resti-
tution of the buildings abusively taken by the state during the com-
munist regime in Romania, published in the Official Journal, Part I,
no. 278/17.05.2013, with subsequent amendments;
Law 255/14.12.2010 on the expropriation due to public use rea-
sons, necessary for the achievement of objectives of national,

39
Forest Stewardship Council®

county and local interest (Official Journal 853/20.12.2010), with


subsequent amendments
Law no. 312/10.11.2005 on obtaining the ownership of land by for-
eign citizens and stateless persons as well as by foreign legal enti-
ties, published in the Official Journal, Part I, no. 1008/14.11.2005;
Law no. 261/04.11.2008 on the amendment of art. 29 in Law no.
1/2000 for restoring the property rights on agricultural land and on
forest areas claimed in compliance with the stipulations of the Law
on the land fund no. 18/1991 and of Law no. 169/1997, published
in the Official Journal, Part I, no. 757/10.11.2008;
Law no. 374/05.10.2006 on the termination of the public forestry-
specific services for owners of forest lands for which documents
were issued in compliance with art. III paragraph (1) in Law no.
169/1997 for the amendment of the Law on land fund no. 18/1991,
published in the Official Journal, Part I, no. 846/13.10.2006;
Government Decision no. 250/07.03.2007 for the approval of the
Methodology for the unitary implementation of Law no. 10/2001,
published in the Official Journal, Part I, no. 227/03.04.2007, with
subsequent amendments;
Government Decision no. 401/19.06.2013 for the approval of Rules
for the implementation of Law no. 165/2013, published in the Offi-
cial Journal, Part I, no. 393/29.06.2013, with subsequent amend-
ments;
Government Decision no. 890/04.08.2005 for the approval of the
Rules for the procedure of the establishment, functions and opera-
tion of the commissions for setting up the private property rights on
lands, the pattern and the issuing of the property deeds, as well as
the putting of the land in the possession of the owners, published in
the Official Journal, Part I, no. 732/11.08.2005, with subsequent
amendments;
Government Decision no. 1546/23.09.2004 for the approval of the
Set of methods for determining the value of arable and forest lands,
the financial sources and the methods of payment to the former
owner, published in the Official Journal, Part I, no. 911/06.10.2004;
Government Decision no. 861/22.07.2009 for the approval of the
Set of methods for the allocation, use and control of the annual
amounts for the sustainable management of the forest fund owned
as private property by natural and legal persons and of the forest
fund in public and private property of administrative-territorial units
and for the approval of the Procedure for performing forestry ser-
vices and for carrying out the verification of the fund, published in
the Official Journal, Part I, no. 573/18.08.2009;
Government Decision no. 118/17.02.2010 for the approval of the
Set of methods for the purchase, through trade, exchange or dona-
tion, by the State, through the National Forest Administration -
Romsilva and other administrators, of the lands that can be in-
cluded in the forest fund which is public property of the state, pub-
lished in the Official Journal, Part I, no. 135/01.03.2010;
Government Decision no. 994/25.06.2004 for approving the cre-
ation of shelterbelts to protect the transport network against snow
drifting all around the country, in compliance with the Programme
for the creation of shelterbelts to protect the transport network
against snow drifting, and for the approval of the Study substantiat-
ing the need to create a network of protective shelterbelts in
Mehedinti, Dolj, Olt and Teleorman counties and on the lands of the
units for breed horses’ breeding and operating, taken from the Na-
tional Forest Administration - Romsilva based on Government
Emergency Ordinance no. 139/2002, approved with amendments
through Law no. 24/2003, published in the Official Journal, Part I,

40
Forest Stewardship Council®

no. 648/19.07.2004, with subsequent amendments;


Government Decision no. 699/31.05.2006 on the amendment of
appendix no. I to Government Decision no. 994/2004, published in
the Official Journal, Part I, no. 503/09.06.2006;
Government Decision no. 743/14.06.2006 on the approval of the
List of investment objectives “Protective shelterbelts in lowland ar-
eas", stage I, and of their technical-economical indicators, pub-
lished in the Official Journal, Part I, no. 528/19.06.2006;
Government Decision no. 1343/31.10.2007 for approving the cre-
ation of shelterbelts for the protection of the fields in Constanta, Il-
fov and Tulcea counties, published in the Official Journal, Part I, no.
778/16.11.2007;
Government Decision no. 227/26.03.2014 for the approval of trans-
ferring some agricultural lands covering a total area of 23.69 ha,
from the State private fund, from the administration of the Agency
of the State domains and from the concession to the trading com-
pany "A&S International 2000" - S.R.L., into the state public domain
and the administration of the National Forest Administration - Rom-
silva, in order to create sectors of shelterbelts for protecting the
high-way A2 Bucharest-Constanta, for forestry use, published in
the Official Journal, Part I, no. 223/28.03.2014;
Order of the Ministry for Environment and Forests no.
367/17.03.2010 for the approval of the concession value, of the cal-
culation and payment methods for the royalty obtained from the
concession of the forest lands which are part of the public property
of the State related to the actives sold by The National Forest Ad-
ministration - Romsilva, as well as of the template of the conces-
sion agreement, published in the Official Journal, Part I, no.
196/29.03.2010, with subsequent amendments;
Order of the Ministry for Agriculture, Forests, Waters and Environ-
ment no. 454/14.07.2003 on the approval of the Technical Stan-
dards for forest protection and of the Guidelines for the implemen-
tation of the Technical Standards for forest protection, published in
the Official Journal, Part I, no. 564/06.08.2003;
Law 123/10.07.2012 Law on electric power and natural gas (Official
Journal 485/16.07.2012), with subsequent amendments
Law 107/25.09.1996 Law on waters (Official Journal
244/08.10.1996), with subsequent amendments;
Law 85/18.03.2003 Law on mines (Official Journal
197/27.03.2003), with subsequent amendments;
Law 238/07.06.2004 Law on the oil (Official Journal
535/15.06.2004), with subsequent amendments;
Law 33/27.05.1994 Law on the expropriation due to public use rea-
sons (republished Official Journal 472/05.07.2011), with subse-
quent amendments;
Law 220/05.07.2013 for the amendment of Law no. 255/2010 on
the expropriation due to public use reasons, necessary for the
achievement of objectives of national, county and local interest (Of-
ficial Journal 408/05.07.2013), with subsequent amendments;
Law 7/13.03.1996 Law on the cadastre and on real estate advertis-
ing (republished Official Journal 83/07.02.2013), with subsequent
amendments;
Decree 237/08.07.1978 for setting up the standards on the system-
atization, sitting, construction and repair of power lines which pass
through forests and agricultural lands ( Official Journal
58/13.07.1978);
Government Emergency Ordinance 195/22.12.2005 on the protec-
tion of the environment (Official Journal 1196/30.12.2005), with
subsequent amendments;

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Forest Stewardship Council®

Government Emergency Ordinance 164/19.11.2008 for the amend-


ment of the Government Emergency Ordinance no. 195/2005 on
the protection of the environment (Official Journal 808/03.12.2008),
with subsequent amendments;
Government Ordinance 43/28.08.1997 on the road status (Official
Journal 237/29.06.1998), with subsequent amendments;
Government Ordinance 58/21.08.1998 on the organization and car-
rying out of tourism activities in Romania (Official Journal
309/26.08.1998), with subsequent amendments;
Government Decision 1076/08.07.2004 on setting the procedure
for carrying put the environment assessment for plans and pro-
grammes (Official Journal 707/05.08.2004), with subsequent
amendments;
Government Decision 930/11.08.2005 for the approval of Special
Standards with regard to the character and size of sanitary and hy-
drogeological protection areas (Official Journal 800/02.10.2005);
Government Decision 525/27.06.1996 for the approval of the Gen-
eral Town Planning Regulations (Official Journal 856/27.11.2002),
with subsequent amendments;
Government Decision 88/02.02.2011 on the amendment of Law no.
220/2008 for setting the system for promoting energy production
from renewable energy sources (Official Journal 736/19.10.2011),
with subsequent amendments;
Government Decision 53/19.01.2011 for the approval of the Set of
methods for the implementation of Law no. 255/2010 on the expro-
priation due to public use reasons, necessary for the achievement
of objectives of national, county and local interest (Official Journal
84/01.02.2011), with subsequent amendments;
Government Decision 445/08.04.2009 on the assessment of the
impact which certain public and private projects have on the envi-
ronment (Official Journal 481/13.07.2009), with subsequent
amendments;
Government Decision 1705/29.11.2006 for the approval of the cen-
tralized inventory of the assets in the State public domain (Official
Journal 1020/21.12.2006), with subsequent amendments;
Ministerial Order 3814/06.11.2012 for the approval of the Technical
Standards on the modifications of the provisions in the forest man-
agement plans and the change of the category of land use in the
forest fund (Official Journal 790/23.11.2012), with subsequent
amendments;
Ministerial Order 670/01.08.2014 for the amendment of the Techni-
cal Standards on the modifications of the provisions in the forest
management plans and the change of the category of land use in
the forest fund, approved through the Order of the Minister of the
environment and forests no. 3.814/2012 (OM 614/20.08.2014);
Ministerial Order 196/10.10.2006 on the approval of the Standards
and updated technical prescriptions specific to areas of protection
and safety areas related to the national transportation system of
crude oil, gasoline, condensate and ethane (Official Journal
855/18.10.2006);
Technical standards NTE 003/04/00 – Standard for construction of
overhead electrical power lines with voltages above 1000 V, ap-
proved through Ministerial Order no. 32/2004 of ANRE president;
Decisions of the Constitutional Court regarding the unconstitution-
ality of some articles in the Land Law: Decision no.
602/20.05.2008; Decision no. 603/20.05.2008; Decision no.
605/28.04.2009; Decision no. 652/28.04.2009;
Law 289/15.05.2002 on the creation of the shelterbelts, published
in the Official Journal, Part I, no. 338/21.05.2002, republished in

42
Forest Stewardship Council®

the Official Journal, Part I, no. 143/26.02.2014, with subsequent


amendments;
Government Decision no. 523/06.05.2009 on the set of methods for
the National Forest Administration Romsilva to put into use the for-
est lands in the public property of the state which it administrates
for the establishment and operation of the hunting complex
grounds and of game farms;
1.2 Concession licenses Government Decision no. 118/17.02.2010 for the approval of the
Set of methods for the purchase, through trade, exchange or dona-
tion, by the State, through the National Forest Administration -
Romsilva and other administrators, of the lands that can be in-
cluded in the forest fund which is public property of the state, pub-
lished in the Official Journal, Part I, no. 135/01.03.2010;
Government Decision no. 699/31.05.2006 on the amendment of
appendix no. I to Government Decision no. 994/2004, published in
the Official Journal, Part I, no. 503/09.06.2006;
Government Decision no. 743/14.06.2006 on the approval of the
List of investment objectives “Protective shelterbelts in lowland ar-
eas ", stage I, and of their technical-economical indicators, pub-
lished in the Official Journal, Part I, no. 528/19.06.2006;
Government Decision no. 1343/31.10.2007 for approving the cre-
ation of shelterbelts for the protection of the fields in counties Con-
stanta, Ilfov and Tulcea, published in the Official Journal, Part I, no.
778/16.11.2007;
Government Decision no. 227/26.03.2014 for the approval of trans-
ferring some agricultural lands covering a total area of 23.69 ha,
from the State private fund, from the administration of the Agency
of the State domains and from the concession to the trading com-
pany "A&S International 2000" - S.R.L., into the state public domain
and the administration of the National Forest Administration - Rom-
silva, in order to create sectors of shelterbelts for protecting the
high-way A2 Bucharest-Constanta, for forestry use, published in
the Official Journal, Part I, no. 223/28.03.2014;
Order of the Ministry for Agriculture, Forests, Waters and Environ-
ment no. 454/14.07.2003 on the approval of the Technical Stan-
dards for forest protection and of the Guidelines for the implemen-
tation of the Technical Standards for forest protection, published in
the Official Journal, Part I, no. 564/06.08.2003;
Order of the Minister for Agriculture, forests and rural development
no. 280/26.04.2004 for the approval of the template and contents of
the timber harvesting technical record, published in The Official
Journal of Romania, Part I, no. 416/10.05.2004
Government Decision no. 1546/23.09.2004 for the approval of
Standard methods for determining the value of the arable and for-
est lands, the financial sources and the methods of payment to the
former owner, published in the Official Journal, Part I, no.
911/06.10.2004;
Ministerial Order no. 216/2002 on the approval of the Criteria for
the license issuing for hunting grounds administrators.
1.3 . Management and har- Government Emergency Ordinance no. 85/08.11.2006 on setting
vesting planning the methods for the assessment of the damages to wood vegeta-
tion within and outside the forest, published in the Official Journal
of Romania, Part I, no. 926/15.11.2006, with subsequent amend-
ments;
Order of the Minister for waters, forests and environment protection
no. 1650/31.10.2010 on the approval of the Technical Standards on
the selection and application of the tending operations, not pub-
lished in the Official Journal;
Order of the Minister for waters, forests and environment protection

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no. 1649/31.10.2000 on the approval of the Technical Standards for


the tending of tree stands, not published in the Official Journal;
Order of the Ministry for Agriculture and Rural Development no.
706/24.11.2008 for the approval of the Methods for financing the
shelterbelt management operations, published in the Official Jour-
nal, Part I, no. 869/22.12.2008.
Order of the Ministry for Agriculture, Food and Forests no.
636/23.12.2002 on the approval of forestry technical guidelines for
the creation and tending of wood vegetation in the shelterbelts,
published in the Official Journal, Part I, no. 104/19.02.2003;
Law 289/15.05.2002 on the creation of the shelterbelts, published
in the Official Journal, Part I, no. 338/21.05.2002, republished in
the Official Journal, Part I, no. 143/26.02.2014, with subsequent
amendments;
Order of the Ministry for Agriculture and Rural Development no.
649/24.10.2008 on the approval of the methods for compensating
the income loss on the areas actually occupied by shelterbelts cre-
ated on agricultural land, published in the Official Journal, Part I,
no. 761/11.11.2008, with subsequent amendments;
Order of the Minister for Environment and Forests no.
3814/06.11.2012 for the approval of the Technical Standards on the
modifications of the provisions in the forest management plans and
the change of the category of land use in the forest fund (Official
Journal 790/23.11.2012), with subsequent amendments;
Ministerial Order 454/2003 – on the approval of the Technical Stan-
dards for forest protection and of the Guidelines for the implemen-
tation of the Technical Standards for forest protection;
Government Ordinance no. 81/19.08.2004 on the establishment,
organization and operation of the game farms and hunting complex
grounds;
Ministerial Order no. 193/30.04.2002 on updating the Romanian
hunting fund delineation into hunting grounds;
Ministerial Order no. 478/16.10.2002 on the approval of the Stan-
dards for the development of expert studies for game sustainable
management and of the Guidelines for the implementation of the
Standards for the development of expert studies for game sustain-
able management ;
Ministerial Order no. 280/14.04.2003 for the approval of Technical
Regulations on the dog collar-stick for the guarding dogs accompa-
nying herds and flocks of livestock on the hunting grounds;
Order no. 1644 of 2.07.2013, of the minister for environment and
climatic changes, for the approval of the Regulations on the control
of forest reproductive material producers, suppliers and customers
(Official Journal no. 419/10.07.2013).
Order no. 930 in 14.11.2014, of the Department for Waters, Forests
and Pisciculture, on the approval of the List with the personnel em-
powered with the control of trade regarding the forest reproductive
material and with the forest reproductive material certification (Offi-
cial Journal no. 855/24.11.2014).
Order no. 2353 in 14.06.2012, of the minister for environment and
forests, for the approval of the Method Standards for the establish-
ment and use of the fund for the improvement of the land fund of
forestry use (Official Journal no. 422/25.06.2012).
Law no. 32/1994, on sponsorship as amended in: Government Or-
dinance no. 36/1998, Law no. 204/2001, Law no. 576/2001, Law
no. 414/2002 and Law no. 394/2006.
Order no. 1648 in 31.10.2000, of the minister for water, forests and
environment protection, on the approval of “Technical Standards for
compositions, schemes and technologies for the regeneration of

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the forests and for the afforestation of degraded lands”.


Order no. 1653 in 31.10.2000, of the minister for water, forests and
environment protection, for the approval of “Technical Standards for
carrying out the annual control of regeneration”.
Nurseries – methods and procedures for nursery cultivation of the
main forest and ornamental species. Technical recommendations
prepared by ICAS in 1994.
Order no. 636 of 23.12.2002 of the minister for agriculture, food
and forests on the approval of the Technical guidelines for the cre-
ation and tending of the wood vegetation in shelterbelts (Official
Journal no. 104/19.02.2003).
Order no. 557 of 11.08.2006, of the minister for agriculture, forests
and rural development, on the approval of the List of harmonized
national standards for forest reproductive material (Official Journal
no. 709/18.08.2006)
STAS 1808/2004 – Forest tree and shrub seeds cultures. Sampling
rules.
STAS 1908/2004 - Forest tree and shrub seeds cultures. Analysis
methods.
STAS 1347/2004 – Small, semi-small and medium forest seedlings.
STAS 2104/2004 – Tree and shrub cuttings.
Law no. 100 of 3.06.2010 on the afforestation of degraded lands
(Official Journal no. 376/7.06.2010).
Government Decision no. 1257 in 21.12.2011 for the approval of
the Rules for the determination of the land groups to enter the im-
provement perimeters, for the operation and tasks of the expert
boards established for the delineation of the improvement perime-
ters (Official Journal no. 934/9.12.2011).
Order no. 4017 in 12.12.2012, of the minister for environment and
forests, for the approval of the procedure for the handover/recep-
tion of the land plots designated as improvement perimeters and
for the transfer of the investment objective (Official Journal no.
9/7.01.2013).
Order no. 766 of 6.09.2007, of the minister for agriculture and rural
development, for the approval of the standard methods on the pre-
vention, finding, assessment and approval of damages generated
by dangerous weather phenomena and by other factors with nega-
tive impact on the national forest fund and of the objectives within it
(Official Journal no. 646/21.09.2007).
Order no. 1028 of 30.06.2010, of the minister for environment and
forests, on the approval of the delineation and description of the
source areas for the basic material from which forest reproductive
material of “identified source” and “selected” for the species of for-
est interest in Romania is obtained (Official Journal no.
617/1.09.2010)
Order no. 945 of 1.03.2012, of the minister for environment and
forests, for the approval of the National Catalogue of forest genetic
resources and of the technical instructions for the sustainable man-
agement of the forest genetic resources (Official Journal no.
419/22.06.2012).
Order no. 768 of 28.10.2004, of the minister for agriculture, forests
and rural development, for the approval of the template for the Ba-
sic Material National Catalogue sheet and of the template for the
Producer/ Supplier Register sheet (Official Journal no.
6/4.01.2005), with the amendments brought by Ministerial Order
no. 1645/2013, of the minister for environment and climatic
changes.
Order no. 1645 in 2.07.2013, of the minister for environment and
climatic changes, for the approval of the Basic Material National

45
Forest Stewardship Council®

Catalogue and of the template for the Basic Material National Cata-
logue sheet (Official Journal no. 539/26.08.2013).
Order no. 931 in 14.11.2014, of the Department for Waters, Forests
and Pisciculture, on the amendment of annex no. 2 of the Ministe-
rial Order no. 1645/2.07.2013 (Official Journal no. 863/27.11.2014).
Order no. 676 of 22.09.2004, of the minister for agriculture, forests
and rural development, for the approval of the Methods for autho-
rizing the producer of forest reproductive material (Official Journal
no. 937/13.10.2004).
Order no. 454 of 14 July 2003 on the approval of Technical Stan-
dards for forest protection and of the implementation of the Techni-
cal Standards for forest protection
Law no. 56/2010 on making the national forest fund accessible,
modified by Law no. 282/2011
Government Decision no. 653/2007 on the approval of the techni-
cal-economic indicators of the investment objectives included in the
"Project for the development of torrent drainage basins and the re-
construction of forest roads in forest fund areas with major risk of
flooding in Romania"
1.4. Harvesting permits Law no. 46/2008 - Forestry Code with subsequent amendments
Order of the minister for agriculture and rural development no.
223/07.04.2008 and Order of the minister for economy and fi-
nances no. 1330/30.04.2008 on the assignment of the Board for
the certification of economic operators for forest harvesting, on the
approval of the operating rules of the Board for the certification of
economic operators for forest harvesting and of the Criteria for the
certification of economic operators for forest harvesting, published
in The Official Journal of Romania, Part I, no. 388/22.05.2008;
Order of the Minister for Agriculture, forests and rural development
no. 616/23.08.2004 on the approval of the technical standard for
valuation and harvesting of cherry tree specimens in the mixed tree
stand, published in The Official Journal of Romania, Part I, no.
809/02.09.2004;
Law no. 407/09.11.2006 on hunting and protection of the hunting
fund;
Order no. 718 in 7.05.2010, of the minister for environment and
forests, for the approval of the Standard methods for the certifica-
tion of natural and legal entities that carry out the planning and/or
execution of land reclamation works in forestry.
Order of the Minister for Environment and Forests no.
1898/11.11.2010 for the approval of the regulations for the trade of
the annually harvested timber from the forest fund in the public
property of the state administrated by the National Forest Adminis-
tration – Romsilva, published in The Official Journal of Romania,
Part I, no. 804/02.12.2010, with subsequent amendments;
Order of the minister for agriculture, food and forests no.
391/10.06.2003 on handing over for harvesting the timber in the
forest fund public property of the state sold to the National Forest
Administration, published in The Official Journal of Romania, Part I,
no. 430/19.06.2003, with subsequent amendments;
Order of the Minister for Environment and Forests no.
1540/03.06.2011 for the approval of instructions, modalities and pe-
riods for timber collection, extraction and transport, published in
The Official Journal of Romania, Part I, no. 430/20.06.2011, with
subsequent amendments;
Order of the Minister for waters, forests and environment protection
no. 264/26.03.1999 for the approval of Forestry Technical Stan-
dards for the management of wood vegetation on land outside the
national forest fund, published in The Official Journal of Romania,

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Forest Stewardship Council®

Part I, no. 233/25.05.1999;


Order of the Minister for Agriculture, forests and rural development
no. 1306/20.12.2005 on the approval of the Procedure for the ap-
proval, modification, cancelling and cassation of valuation docu-
ments for the wood products sourced in the forest fund not included
in the public property of the state, as well as in the wood vegetation
not included in the forest fund, published in The Official Journal of
Romania, Part I, no. 32/13.01.2006, with subsequent amendments;
Ministerial Order no. 15/28.01.2011 on the conditions for the prac-
tice of recreational / sport fishing, rules of recreational / sport fish-
ing practice and templates for recreational / sport fishing permits
2011;
Government Emergency Ordinance no. 23/2008 on fishing and
aquaculture (supplemented and modified by Law 317/2009).
2. Taxes and fees
2.1. Payment of royalties Government Decision no. 76/2011 on the amendment of the Gov-
and harvesting fees ernment Decision no. 1705/2006 for the approval of the Centralized
Inventory of the assets in the public domain of the state;
Order of the Minister of Public Finances no. 1718/2011 for the ap-
proval of the Specifications on the preparation and updating of the
Centralized Inventory of the assets in the public domain of the
state;
Law no. 192/2010 – on the transfer of some forest roads from the
public domain of the state under NFA’s management in the local
public domain of territorial-administrative units under the manage-
ment of their local councils;
Government Decision no. 1344/2010 – on the update of the inven-
tory values of the assets in the public domain of the state and un-
der the management of the MEF through NFA;
Government Ordinance no. 112/2000 for the rules regarding the
process of decommissioning, cassation and selling of the Tangible
assets that make up the public domain and the administrative-terri-
torial units;
Government Emergency Ordinance no. 196 in 22 December 2005
on the fund for the environment, with subsequent amendments (L
105/2006; L 292/2007; OUG 37/2008; OG 25/2008; L 329/2009;
OUG 15/2010; OUG 115/2010; OUG 71/2011; OG 31/2013);
Order of the Ministry for Environment and Forests no.
367/17.03.2010 for the approval of the concession value, of the cal-
culation and payment methods for the royalty obtained from the
concession of the forest lands which are part of the public property
of the State related to the actives sold by The National Forest Ad-
ministration - Romsilva, as well as of the template of the conces-
sion agreement, published in the Official Journal, Part I, no.
196/29.03.2010, with subsequent amendments
Law no. 500/2002 on public finances
Government Decision 1.016 on the fees for license and authoriza-
tion in fishing and aquaculture;
Government Decision no. 1679/10.12.2008 on the methods for
granting the compensations stipulated in the Law on hunting and
forest fund protection no. 407/2006, as well as the responsibilities
of the hunting funds managers and of the owners of agricultural
and forest cultures and of livestock for the prevention of damages;
Government Emergency Ordinance no. 64 of 3 June 2009 on the fi-
nancial management of the structural instruments and their use for
the convergence objective, with subsequent amendments (L
362/2009; OUG 120/2010; OUG 26/2011; OG 30/2011; OUG
121/2011; OUG 26/2012; OUG 27/2013; OUG 47/2013; OUG
52/2013; OUG 76/2013; OUG 84/2013; OUG 29/2014; OUG

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Forest Stewardship Council®

83/2014; OG 12/2015);
Order of the Ministry for Environment and Forests no. 1142 of 23
July 2010 on the Methods for the fee implementation by the pro-
tected area administrators / custodians and for setting the amount
of such fees (not published in Of.J);
Order of the Ministry for Agriculture and Rural Development no.
649/24.10.2008 on the approval of on the approval of the methods
for compensating the income loss on the areas actually occupied
by shelterbelts created on agricultural land, published in the Official
Journal, Part I, no. 761/11.11.2008, with subsequent amendments;
Law no. 32/1994, on sponsorship, amended by: Government Ordi-
nance no. 36/1998, Law no. 204/2001, Law no. 576/2001, Law no.
414/2002 and Law no. 394/2006.
Order of the Minister for Environment and Forests no. 3836 of 8
November 2012 on the approval of Methods for endorsing the fees
set by the protected area administrators/custodians for visiting the
protected areas, for reviewing the documents and for the issue of
approvals in compliance with the law, for taking photographs and
filming for commercial use;
2.2. Value added taxes and Law nr 571 of December 22nd 2003, Fiscal Code
other sale taxes Government Decision no. 1.050 of 1 July 2004 for the approval of
the Standard Methods for the implementation of the Government
Ordinance no. 92/2003 on the Code of tax procedure
2.3. Income and profit Law no 571 of 22 December 2003 Fiscal Code
taxes for the approval of the Standard Methods for the implementation of
the Government Ordinance no. 92/2003 on the Code of tax proce-
dure

3. Timber harvesting activities


3.1. Timber harvesting reg- Law no. 46/2008 - Forestry Code with subsequent amendments
ulations Law no. 171/16.07.2010 on the determination and punishment of
forest offences, published in the Official Journal of Romania, Part I,
no. 513/23.07.2010, with subsequent amendments;
Government Ordinance no. 2/12.07.2001 on the legal status of of-
fences, published in the Official Journal of Romania, Part I, no.
410/25.07.2001, with subsequent amendments;
Ministerial Order 1346/2011, updated through Ministerial Order
1851/2011 and through Ministerial Order 669/2014 - for the ap-
proval of the Rules on the shape and use of the specific marking
devices and on the methods of marking trees or tree plots;
Ministerial Order 1898/11.11.2010 for the approval of the rules for
selling timber annually harvested in the forest fund public property
of the state managed by the National Forest Administration – Rom-
silva (Official Journal 804/02.12.2010), with subsequent amend-
ments;
Technical standards for forest management planning;
Order of the Ministry for Agriculture, Food and Forests no.
636/23.12.2002 on the approval of forestry technical guidelines for
the establishment and tending of the wood vegetation in shelter-
belts, published in the Official Journal, Part I, no. 104/19.02.2003;
3.2. Protected sites and Law no. 46/2008 - Forestry Code with subsequent amendments
species Law no. 5 of 6 March 2000 on the approval the Spatial Planning of
the National Territory, Section III, protected areas;
Government Decision no. 230 of 4 March 2003 on the delineation
of biosphere reserves, national parks and nature parks and on the
establishment of their administrations;
Order of the minister for agriculture, forests, waters and environ-
ment no. 552 of 26 August 2003 on the approval of the inside zon-
ing of national and nature parks in terms of the needs for biological

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diversity conservation;
Government Decision no. 2151 of December 2004 on the designa-
tion as nature protected area for Comana Nature Park, Muntii
Maramuresului Nature Park, Lunca Muresului Nature Park, Putna-
Vrancea Nature Park, Buila-Vanturarita National Park;
Government Decision no. 1581 of 08 December 2005 on the desig-
nation as nature protected area for Defileul Jiului Nature Park;
Government Decision no. 1.217 of 2 December 2010 on the desig-
nation as nature protected area for Cefa Nature Park;
Government Decision no. 971 of 05 October 2011 for the amend-
ment of the Government Decision no. 1.284/2007 on declaring the
bird special protection areas an integral part of the European eco-
logical network Natura 2000 in Romania;
Order of the Minister for Environment and Forests no. 3993/2012
for the termination of the protected area status of the perimeter
covering a surface of 17.6 ha for Meri Quarry;
Order of the minister for environment and sustainable development
no. 410 of 11 April 2008 for the approval of the Procedure for au-
thorizing activities of harvesting, capturing and/or purchase and/or
trade, on the national territory or for export, of mineral specimens,
of fossil specimens of plant and of vertebrate and invertebrate ani-
mals, as well as of wildlife plants and animals and their import, with
subsequent amendments (Order 890/2009; Order 865/2014);
Government Emergency Ordinance no. 64 of 3 June 2009 on the fi-
nancial management of the structural instruments and their use for
the convergence objective, with subsequent amendments (L
362/2009; OUG 120/2010; OUG 26/2011; OG 30/2011; OUG
121/2011; OUG 26/2012; OUG 27/2013; OUG 47/2013; OUG
52/2013; OUG 76/2013; OUG 84/2013; OUG 29/2014; OUG
83/2014; OG 12/2015);
Order of the Minister for Environment and Forests no. 19 of 13 Jan-
uary 2010 for the approval of the Method guidelines for the appro-
priate assessment of the potential impact of the plans and projects
on the protected areas of community interest;
Order of the Ministry for Environment and Forests no. 1142 of 23
July 2010 on the Methods for the fee implementation by the pro-
tected area administrators / custodians and for setting the amount
of such fees (not published in Of.J);
Order of the Minister for Environment and climatic changes no.
1349/2014 on the approval of the reviewed list of natural protected
areas which need their own administration structures and of the as-
sessment criteria on which the necessity to assign Natura 2000
sites was determined;
Order of the Minister for Environment and climatic changes no.
1052 of 3 July 2014 on the approval of the Methods for the assign-
ment of the administration and custody of the protected areas;
Law no. 5 of 25 January 1991 for the ratification, by Romania, of
the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially
as Waterfowl Habitat;
Law no. 13 of 11 March 1993 for the ratification, by Romania, of the
Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural
Habitats in Bern on 19 September 1979;
Law no. 58 of 13 July 1994 for the ratification of the Convention on
Biological Diversity, signed in Rio de Janeiro on 5 June 1992;
Law no. 69 of 15 July 1994 for the ratification by Romania of the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and flora endangered, adopted in Washington on 3 March
1973;
Law no. 13 of 8 January 1998 for the ratification by Romania of the

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Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Ani-


mals, adopted in Bonn on 23 June 1979;
Law no. 451 of 8 July 2002 ratifying the European Landscape Con-
vention, adopted in Florence on 20 October 2000;
Law no. 389 of 19 October 2006 ratifying the Framework Conven-
tion on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the
Carpathian, adopted in Kiev on 22 May 2003;
Law no. 137 of 1 July 2010 ratifying the Protocol for the conserva-
tion and sustainable use of the biological diversity and of the land-
scape diversity, adopted and signed in Bucharest on 19 June 2008,
within the Framework Convention on the Protection and Sustain-
able Development of the Carpathian, adopted in Kiev on 22 May
2003;
Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds and Direc-
tive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of the
species of wild flora and fauna transposed in the national legisla-
tion through the Government Emergency Ordinance 57/2007;
Order of the minister for agriculture, forests, waters and environ-
ment no. 552 of 26 august 2003 on the approval of the inside zon-
ing of national and nature parks in terms of the needs for biological
diversity conservation;
Order of the Minister for Environment and Forests no. 3836 of 8
November 2012 on the approval of Methods for endorsing the fees
set by the protected area administrators/custodians for visiting the
protected areas, for reviewing the documents and for the issue of
approvals in compliance with the law, for taking photographs and
filming for commercial use;
3.3 identification and pro- Emergency Ordinance no. 58/2012 on modifications brought to
tection of environmental standard documents related to environment and forest protection;
values Government Emergency Ordinance no. 139/2005, updated, on the
forest management in Romania;
Government Decision no. 1476 of 12 December 2002 for the ap-
proval of certain measures related to the sustainable forest man-
agement;
Law no. 167/ 2010 – Environment Fund;
Law no. 105 of 25 April 2006 - for the approval of the Government
Emergency Ordinance no. 196/2005 on the Funds for the Environ-
ment
Ministerial Order no. 2353 of 14 June 2012 for the approval of
Standard methods for the establishment and use of the Fund for
the improvement of the land fund of forestry use;
Government Decision no. 1.076 of 8 July 2004 on setting the pro-
cedure for the environment assessment for plans and programmes,
with subsequent amendments ( Government Decision (HG)
1000/2012);
Government Emergency Ordinance no. 195 of 22 December 2005
on the protection of the environment, with subsequent amendments
(Rectification 2006; L 265/2006; OUG 57/2007; OUG 164/2008;
OUG 114/2007; OUG 71/2011; OUG 58/2012; L 187/2012);
Government Emergency Ordinance no. 57 of 20 June 2007 on the
status of protected areas, conservation of natural habitats, of wild
flora and fauna, with subsequent amendments (OUG 154/2008; L
329/2009; L 49/2011; L 187/2012; OUG 31/2014; OG 20/2014, L
73/2015);
Order of the minister for environment and sustainable development
no. 1798/19.11.2007 for the approval of the Procedure for issuing
the environment authorization, published in The Official Journal of
Romania, Part I, no. 808/27.11.2007, with subsequent amend-
ments;

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Government Decision no. 1529 in 01 November 2006 for the


amendment of appendix no. 1 to Government Decision 230/2003,
on the delineation of national and nature parks and biosphere re-
serves and the establishment of their administrations;
Government Decision no. 1589 in 8 November 2006 on the inclu-
sion of certain nature protected areas in the category of wetlands of
international importance;
Government Decision no. 1.284/2007 on declaring the bird special
protection areas an integral part of the European ecological net-
work Natura 2000 in Romania
Order of the minister for environment and sustainable development
no. 1964 in 13 December 2007 on the establishment of the nature
protected area status of the sites of community importance as an
integral part of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in
Romania;
Government Decision no. 971 of 05 October 2011 for the amend-
ment of the Government Decision no. 1.284/2007 on declaring the
bird special protection areas an integral part of the European eco-
logical network Natura 2000 in Romania;
Order of the Minister for Environment and Forests no. 2387 of 29
September 2011 for the amendment of the Order of the minister of
the environment and rural development no. 1.964/2007 on the es-
tablishment of the nature protected area status of the sites of com-
munity importance as an integral part of the European ecological
network Natura 2000 in Romania;
Government Emergency Ordinance no. 196 in 22 December 2005
on the Fund for the environment, with subsequent amendments (L
105/2006; L 292/2007; OUG 37/2008; OG 25/2008; L 329/2009;
OUG 15/2010; OUG 115/2010; OUG 71/2011; OG 31/2013);
Order of the Minister for Environment and climatic changes no.
1349/2014 on the approval of the reviewed list of natural protected
areas which need their own administration structures and of the as-
sessment criteria on the basis of which the necessity to assign for
administration the Natura 2000 sites was determined;
Order of the Minister for Environment and climatic changes no.
1472/2014 for the amendment of appendix no. 1 to Order of the
Minister for Environment and climatic changes no. 1349/2014 on
the approval of the reviewed list of natural protected areas which
need their own administration structures and of the assessment on
the basis of which the necessity to assign for administration the
Natura 2000 sites was determined;
Order of the Minister for Environment and climatic changes no.
1052 of 3 July 2014 Methods for the assignment of the administra-
tion and custody of the protected areas;
3.4. Health and safety Law no. 319/2006, on work health and safety.
Government Decision no. 1425/2006, modified by HG no. 955/2010
and Government Decision no. 1242/2011, Standard Method for the
implementation of Law no. 319/2006.
Government Decision nr 1051/2006 on minimal requirements for
work health and safety during the manual handling of volumes
which present risks for workers, especially back injuries.
Government Decision no. 1146/30.08.2006 on minimal require-
ments for health and safety for the use of the work equipment by
the workers.
Government Decision no. 1091/16.08.2006 on minimal require-
ments for health and safety at the work place.
Government Decision no. 971/26.07.2006 on minimal requirements
for health and safety signaling at the work place.
Government Decision no. 1048/09.08.2006 on minimal require-

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ments for health and safety for the use by the workers of the per-
sonal protective equipment at the work place.
Government Decision no. 1028/09.08.2006 on minimal require-
ments for work health and safety related to the use of equipment
with sight screen.
Government Decision no. 1136/30.08.2006 on minimal require-
ments for health and safety related to the exposure of the workers
to risks generated by electromagnetic fields.
Government Decision no. 457/18.04.2003 on the safety of the
users of low voltage electrical equipment, modified by Government
Decision no. 962/2007 and Government Decision no. 1302/2009.
Government Decision no. 1218 of 06/09/2006 on setting the mini-
mal work health and safety requirements for the protection of the
workers against the presence of chemical agents;
Government Decision no. 1092 of 16/08/2006 on the protection of
the workers against risks related to biological agents during their
work;
Government Decision no. 1093 in 16/08/2006 on setting the mini-
mal work health and safety requirements for the protection of the
workers against the risks related to the exposure to carcinogens
or mutagens at the work place;
Government Decision no. 300 in 02/03/2006 on minimal require-
ments for health and safety on temporary or mobile sites;
Government Decision no. 115 in 05/02/2004 on setting the essen-
tial requirements related to the personal protective equipment and
on the conditions for placing on the market;
Government Decision no. 493 in 12/04/2006 on minimal require-
ments for health and safety related to the exposure of the workers
to noise risks;
Order of the Ministry for work, social solidarity and family (MMSSF)
no. 3/03.01.2007 for the approval of the Form for work accident
recording – FIAM - and of the instructions of filling in the form.
Law no. 49/2006 for the approval of OUG no. 195/2002 on the cir-
culation on public roads.
Law no. 139/1995 of the Red Cross National Society of Romania,
amended by Law no. 524/2004, Law no. 36/2007 and Law no.
74/2008.
Law no. 524 in 24 November 2004 for the amendment of the Law
of the Red Cross National Society of Romania no. 139/1995
Law no. 359 of 8 September 2004 on simplifying the formalities for
the registration in the trade registry of individuals, family associa-
tions and legal entities, their fiscal registration as well as the autho-
rization for operation of legal entities.
Government Decision no. 355 in 11 April 2007 on the monitoring of
the workers’ health.
Law no. 333/2003, on the security of objectives, assets and values
and on the protection of people, amended by Law no. 56/2015.
Government Decision no. 1.010 in 25 June 2004 for the approval of
standard methods and documents stipulated under art. 69 of the
Law no. 333/2003 on the security of objectives, assets and values
and on the protection of people;
Order no. 786 of 2 September 2005 on the amendment of the Or-
der of the minister for administration and domestic affairs no.
712/2005 for the approval of the General instructions on the train-
ing of the employees for emergency situations.
Order no. 712/2005 for the approval of the General instructions on
the training of the employees for emergency situations, amended
by Order no. 786 in 2 September 2005.
Government Emergency Ordinance no. 96 of 14 October 2003 on

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maternity protection at workplaces.


Law no. 25 in 5 March 2004 for the approval of the Government
Emergency Ordinance no. 96/2003 on maternity protection at work-
places.
Law no. 307 in 12 July 2006 on fire protection.
Government Decision 1739/2006 – for the approval of the cate-
gories of buildings and developments submitted to fire safety en-
dorsement and/or authorization;
Ministerial Order 163/2007 – for the approval of the general stan-
dards for fire protection;
Ministerial Order 166/2010 – for the approval of the general instruc-
tions with regard to the fire protection of buildings and related facili-
ties;
Government Decision no. 580 of 6 July 2000 for the approval of
standard methods for the implementation of the stipulations of the
Government Emergency Ordinance no. 99/2000 on the actions to
be taken during periods with extreme temperatures for the protec-
tion of the workers;
Law no. 448 of 6 December 2006 (*republished*) on the protection
and promotion of disabled people *);
Government Decision 301/2012 – for the approval of the Set of
methods for the implementation of Law no. 333/2003 on the secu-
rity of objectives, assets and values and on the protection of peo-
ple;
3.5. Legal employment Law no. 46/2008 - Forestry Code with subsequent amendments;
Law no. 53/2003 Labor Code, republished;
Law no. 62/2011 on social dialog;
Government Emergency Ordinance no. 59/2000, on the status of
the forestry employees, approved with amendments through Law
no. 427/2001;
Collective Labor Agreement in force in the NFA – Romsilva;
Ministerial Order no. 115/2002 on the organization and functioning
of the commissions for employment, promotion of professional de-
grees and gradations of forestry personnel;
Ministerial Order no. 2317/11.06.2012, Ministerial Order no.
2543/05.07.2012, Ministerial Order no. 277/20.02.2013 and Minis-
terial Order no. 710/25.04.2013 on the designation of the Adminis-
trative Board of NFA –Romsilva;
Law no. 52/2011 on occasional activities carried out by day labor-
ers
ORDER no. 600 / 22 May 2015 - for the approval of the Set of
methods for the implementation of Law no. 52/2011 with regard to
occasional activities carried out by day laborers;
Law no. 544 of 12 October 2001 on the free access to information
of public interest, with subsequent amendments;
Standard methods for the implementation of Law 544/2001;
Government Ordinance no. 27/2002 on the procedures for petition
solving;
Ministerial Order 769/2006 – for the approval of the meth-
ods for the limitation of economic liability of the forest security per-
sonnel;
Ministerial Order 1305/2005 – for the approval of the work uniforms
for the forestry personnel;
Ministerial Order 332/2006 – on the amendment of the annex to the
Order of the Minister for Agriculture, forests and rural development
no. 1305/2005, for the approval of the work uniforms;
4. Third parties’ rights not applicable
5. Trade and transport
5.1. Classification of Law no. 4/07.01.2015 for the approval of the average price of a cu-

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species, quantities and bic meter of standing timber, published in the Official Journal of Ro-
qualities mania, Part I, no. 18/09.01.2015;
Order of the Minister for waters, forests and environment protection
no. 1651/31.10.2000 on the approval of the Technical Standards for
the assessment of the timber volume intended for trading, with sub-
sequent amendments, not published in the Official Journal;
Ministerial Order no. 512/21.07.2004 on the approval of the optimal
population number for the main game species in Romania (deer,
fallow deer, roe deer, chamois, wild boar, rabbit, pheasant, par-
tridge, capercaillie and lynx);
Order of the minister for environment and sustainable development
no. 410 of 11 April 2008 for the approval of the Procedure for au-
thorizing activities of harvesting, capturing and/or purchase and/or
trade, on the national territory or for export, of mineral specimens,
of fossil specimens of plant and of vertebrate and invertebrate ani-
mals, as well as of wildlife plants and animals and their import, with
subsequent amendments (Order 890/2009; Order 865/2014);
Order of the Minister for Environment and Forests no. 19 of 13 Jan-
uary 2010 for the approval of the Method guidelines for the appro-
priate assessment of the potential impact of the plans and projects
on the protected areas of community interest;
5.2. Trade and transport Law no. 46/2008 - Forestry Code with subsequent amendments
Government Decision 1076/2009 - for the approval of Rules for the
security of the forest fund;
Government Decision 470/2014 updated by Government Decision
787/2014 – on the approval of the standards for timber sourcing,
circulation and trading, for the status of the timber storage facilities
and of the round wood processing facilities and on some measures
for the implementation of the EU Regulation no. 995/2010 of the
European Parliament and Council of 20 October 2010 for setting
the responsibilities incumbent to operators placing on the market
wood or wood products;
Law no. 171/2010 on the determination and punishment of forest
offences;
Law no. 4/07.01.2015 – for the approval of the average price of one
cubic meter of standing timber;
Government Emergency Ordinance 85/2006 – on setting the meth-
ods for the assessment of the damages to wood vegetation within
and outside the forest;
Law 84/2007 – for the amendment and the approval of the Govern-
ment Emergency Ordinance no. 85/2006 on setting the methods for
the assessment of the damages to wood vegetation within and out-
side the forest;
Government Ordinance 2/2001 – on the legal status of offences;
Ministerial Order 332/2008 of the minister for agriculture and rural
development on the registration of aquaculture production units in
the Register of aquaculture units and on the issuing of the aquacul-
ture license;
Ministerial Order 342/2008 on the minimal individual size of the
aquatic living resources in the public domain of the state, per
species, which can be captured in the aquatic environment;
Law no. 107 of 15.06.2011 on the trading of the forest reproductive
material (Official Journal no. 430/20.06.2011).
Order no. 1 of 4.01.2012, of the minister for environment and
forests, for the approval of the label template for the forest repro-
ductive material batch / divided batch and of the seed analysis bul-
letin template (Official Journal no. 40/17.01.2012).
5.3. Offshore trading and Ministerial Order 167/2015 - For the approval of List of reference
transfer pricing prices for year 2015 used in the calculation of the value of the tim-

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ber stipulated under art. 22 paragraph (7) in Law no. 171/2010 -


Government Decision 470/2014 updated by Government Decision
787/2014 – on the approval of the standards for timber sourcing,
circulation and trading, for the status of the timber storage facilities
and of the round wood processing facilities and on some measures
for the implementation of the EU Regulation no. 995/2010 of the
European Parliament and Council of 20 October 2010 for setting
the responsibilities incumbent to operators placing on the market
wood or wood products;
Ministerial Order no. 307/04.02.2015 on the establishment of fish-
ing prohibition seasons and areas, and of the protection areas for
aquatic living resources in year 2015;
Ministerial Order no. 418/02.06.2005 for the approval of the meth-
ods for the assessment of hunting trophies, in compliance with the
methods of the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conser-
vation.
5.4. Custom regulations
5.5. CITES Ministerial Order no. 154/11.04.2002 on harvesting by shooting
specimens of wildlife fauna species of hunting interest, under ex-
ceptional circumstances;
Government Decision no. 230 of 4 March 2003 on the delineation
of the biosphere reserves, national parks and nature parks and the
establishment of their administrations;
Law no. 13 of 11 March 1993 for the ratification by Romania to the
Convention for wildlife and natural habitats conservation in Europa,
adopted in Bern on 19 September 1979;
Law no. 58 of 13 July 1994 for the ratification of the Convention on
biological diversity, signed in Rio de Janeiro on 5 June 1992;
Law no. 69 of 15 July 1994 for the ratification by Romania of the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and flora endangered, adopted in Washington on 3 March
1973;
Law no. 13 of 8 January 1998 for the ratification by Romania of the
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Ani-
mals, adopted in Bonn on 23 June 1979;
Law no. 451 of 8 July 2002 ratifying the European Landscape Con-
vention, adopted in Florence on 20 October 2000;
Law no. 389 of 19 October 2006 ratifying the Framework Conven-
tion on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the
Carpathian, adopted in Kiev on 22 May 2003;
Law no. 137 of 1 July 2010 ratifying the Protocol for the conserva-
tion and sustainable use of the biological diversity and of the land-
scape diversity, adopted and signed in Bucharest on 19 June 2008,
within the Framework Convention on the Protection and Sustain-
able Development of the Carpathian, adopted in Kiev on 22 May
2003;
Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds and Direc-
tive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of the
species of wild flora and fauna transposed in the national legisla-
tion through the Government Emergency Ordinance 57/2007;
Law no. 5 in 25 January 1991 for the ratification by Romania of the
Convention on the wetlands of international importance, especially
as waterfowl habitats;
6. Due diligence
6.1. Due diligence Proce- Government Decision no. 470/04.06.2014 on the approval of the
dures standards for timber sourcing, circulation and trading, for the status
of the timber storage facilities and of the round wood processing fa-
cilities and on some measures for the implementation of the EU
Regulation no. 995/2010 of the European Parliament and Council

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of 20 October 2010 for setting the responsibilities incumbent to op-


erators placing on the market wood or wood products, published in
the Official Journal of Romania, Part I, no. 426/10.06.2014, with
subsequent amendments;
Ordinul ministrului delegat pentru ape, paduri si piscicultura nr.
837/08.10.2014 pentru aprobarea Metodologiei privind organizarea
si functionarea SUMAL, obligatiile utilizatorilor SUMAL, precum si
structura si modalitatea de transmitere a informatiilor standardizate,
publicat in Monitorul Oficial al Romaniei, Partea I, nr.
761/21.10.2014, cu modificarile si completarile ulterioare;
Order of the delegate minister for waters, forests and pisciculture
no. 837/08.10.2014 for the approval of methods on the organization
and operation of SUMAL, the responsibilities of SUMAL users, and
the standardized information structure and methods for transmis-
sion, published in The Official Journal of Romania, Part I, no.
761/21.10.2014, with subsequent amendments;
7. Ecosystem services
Law no. 46/2008 - Forestry Code with subsequent amendments
Government Decision no. 861/22.07.2009 for the approval of the
Set of methods for the allocation, use and control of the annual
amounts for the sustainable management of the forest fund owned
as private property by natural and legal persons and of the forest
fund in public and private property of administrative-territorial units
and for the approval of the Procedure for performing forestry ser-
vices and for carrying out the verification of the fund, published in
the Official Journal, Part I, no. 573/18.08.2009;
Law 526/11.12.2003 for the approval of the National Programme
for tourism development “Skiing in Romania” (Official Journal
901/16.12.2003) with subsequent amendments;
Ministerial Order 196/10.10.2006 on the approval of the Standards
and updated technical prescriptions specific to areas of protection
and safety areas related to the national transportation system of
crude oil, gasoline, condensate and ethane (Official Journal
855/18.10.2006);

Annex B Additional Requirements for Ecosystem Services

I. General Indicators

1) A publicly available Ecosystem Services Certification Document is developed and


includes:
I. A declaration of the ecosystem services for which a promotional claim is being or will
be made;
II. A description of the current condition of the declared ecosystem services;
III. Legal tenure to manage, use and/or receive payments for declared ecosystem ser-
vices;
IV. Management objectives related to maintenance and/or enhancement of declared
ecosystem services;
V. Verifiable targets related to maintenance and/or enhancement of declared ecosystem
services;
VI. Management activities and strategies related to declared ecosystem services;
VII. Areas within and outside of the Management Unit that contribute to the declared
ecosystem services;

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VIII. Threats to the declared ecosystem services within and outside of the Management
Unit;
IX. A description of management activities to reduce the threats to declared ecosystem
services within and outside of the Management Unit;
X. A description of the methodology used to evaluate the impacts of management activi -
ties on the declared ecosystem services within and outside of the Management Unit,
based on the FSC Procedure for Demonstrating the Impact of Forest Stewardship on
Ecosystem Services;
XI. A description of monitoring results related to the implementation of management ac-
tivities and strategies related to the maintenance and/or enhancement of declared
ecosystem services;
XII. A description of results of the evaluation of impacts of activities and threats on the de-
clared ecosystem services;
XIII. A list of communities and other organizations involved in activities related to the de-
clared ecosystem services; and
XIV. A summary of culturally appropriate engagement with Indigenous Peoples and local
communities, related to the declared ecosystem services including ecosystem ser-
vices access and use, and benefit sharing, consistent with Principle 3 and Principle 4.

2) The results of the evaluation of impacts demonstrate that verifiable targets for the
maintenance and/or enhancement of the declared ecosystem services are met or ex-
ceeded; and
3) The results of the evaluation of impacts demonstrate no negative impacts from man-
agement activities on the declared ecosystem services within or outside of the Man-
agement Unit.
II. Management indicators
For each specific declared ecosystem service, the following Management Indicators shall be
used as the basis for developing indicators at the national or regional level.

a) All services
1) Management indicators for all Ecosystem Services ensure:
i. Peat lands are not drained;
ii. Wetlands, peat lands, savannahs or natural grasslands are not converted to planta-
tions or any other land use;
iii. Areas converted from wetlands, peatlands, savannahs or natural grasslands to plan-
tation since November 1994 are not certified, except where
a) The Organization provides clear and sufficient evidence that it was not directly or
indirectly responsible for the conversion; or
b) The conversion is producing clear, substantial, additional, secure, long-term con-
servation benefits in the Management Unit; and
c) The total area of plantation on sites converted since November 1994 is less than
5% of the total area of the Management Unit.
iv. Knowledgeable experts independent of The Organization confirm the effectiveness of
management strategies and actions to maintain and/or enhance the identified High
Conservation Value areas.

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b) Biological Diversity Conservation

1) In addition to provisions to protect biological diversity in Principle 6 and Principle 9,


when promotional claims are made regarding biological diversity conservation, the
following are demonstrated:

i. Management activities maintain, enhance or restore:

a.Rare and threatened species and their habitats, including through the
provision of conservation zones, protection areas, connectivity, and
other direct means for their survival and viability; and
b.Natural landscape-level characteristics, including forest* diversity,
composition and structure.
ii. The conservation area network, and conservation areas outside the Manage-
ment Unit:
a.Represents the full range of environmental values in the Manage-
ment Unit;
b.Has sufficient size or functional connectivity, to support natural pro-
cesses;
c. Contains the full range of habitats present for focal species and rare
and threatened species; and
d.Has sufficient size or functional connectivity with other suitable habi-
tat to support viable populations of focal species including rare and
threatened species* in the region.
iii. Knowledgeable experts independent of The Organization confirm the suffi-
ciency of the conservation area network.

c) Watershed Services

1) In addition to measures to protect water in Principle 6 and measures to reduce


the impact from natural hazards in Principle 10, where promotional claims are
made regarding watershed services:

i. An assessment identifies:
a. Hydrological features and connections, including permanent and temporary
water bodies, watercourses, and aquifers;
b. Domestic water needs for Indigenous Peoples and local communities within
and outside of the Management Unit that may be impacted by management
activities;
c. Areas of water stress and water scarcity; and
d. Consumption of water by The Organization and other users.

2) Measures are implemented to maintain, enhance or restore permanent and tem-


porary water bodies, watercourses, and aquifers;
3) Chemicals, waste and sediment are not discharged into water bodies, water-
courses or aquifers; and
4) Management activities and strategies respect universal access to water, as de-
fined in the UN resolution on the human right to water and sanitation

d) Soil Conservation
In addition to measures related to soil in Principle 6 and Principle 10, where promotional

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claims are made regarding soil conservation, the following are demonstrated:

i. Vulnerable or high risk soils are identified, including thin soils, soils with poor
drainage and subject to water logging, and soils prone to compaction, erosion,
instability and run-off;
ii. Measures are implemented to reduce compaction, erosion and landslides;
iii. Management activities maintain, enhance or restore soil fertility and stability;
and
iv. Chemicals and waste are not discharged into soil.

e) Recreational Services
Standards developers are instructed as follows: Standard Developers shall develop indicators
to ensure that goods and services used by The Organizations seeking to make claims for
recreational services prioritize locally sourced cultural goods and services. This means, for
example, that artisanal crafts and locally grown food are preferred over more generic options
that may also be available.
Recreational services are often provided by third parties and not by The Organization. As a
result these third parties shall follow all other requirements in this Standard.
1) In addition to measures to assess, prevent, and mitigate negative impacts of man-
agement activities on social values identified in Principle 2 to Principle 5 and Prin-
ciple 9, where promotional claims are made regarding recreational services, the
following are demonstrated:
i. Measures are implemented to maintain, enhance or restore:
a) Areas of importance for recreation and tourism including site attractions, ar-
chaeological sites, trails, areas of high visual quality and areas of cultural or
historical interest; and
b) Populations of species that are a tourist attraction.

ii. The rights, customs and culture of Indigenous Peoples and local communities are not
violated by tourism activities;
iii. In addition to health and safety practices in Criterion 2.3, practices are implemented
to protect the health and safety of tourism customers;
iv. Health and safety plans and accident rates are publicly available in recreational areas
and areas of interest to the tourism sector; and
v. A summary is provided of activities that demonstrate prevention of discrimination
based on gender, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or disability.

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Annex C.0 Species of conservation interest

Group Latin name of the Objective to be Potential threats


species protected
BIRD SPECIES
1 Species of Bubo bubo, Strix uralen- Active nesting area Reduction, degradation and
large noc- sis, Strix aluco, Asio loss of specific nesting habitat
turnal birds otus, Tyto alba (due to excessive forest har-
of prey vesting, development of infra-
structure for tourism and trans-
port). Disturbances within the
nesting area due to various an-
thropogenic activities (forest
works, tourism, etc.) carried out
during the nesting period. Use
of pesticides.
2 Species of Otus scops, Aegolius fu- Active nesting area Reduction, degradation and
small noc- nereus, Glaucidium loss of specific nesting habitat
turnal birds passerinum, Athene noc- (due to excessive forest har-
of prey tua vesting, development of infra-
structure for tourism and trans-
port). Disturbances within the
nesting area due to various an-
thropogenic activities (forest
works, tourism, etc.) carried out
during the nesting period. Use
of pesticides.
3 Species of Haliaeetus albicilla, Active nesting area Reduction, degradation and
large diur- Aquila chrysaetos, Aquila loss of specific nesting habitat
nal birds of heliaca, Aquila pomarina, (due to excessive forest har-
prey Hieraaetus pennatus, vesting, development of infra-
Aquila clanga, Pandion structure for tourism and trans-
haliaetus, Circaetus galli- port). Disturbances within the
cus, Buteo buteo, Buteo nesting area due to various an-
rufinus, Pernis apivorus, thropogenic activities (forest
Accipiter gentilis, Milvus works, tourism, etc.) carried out
milvus, Milvus migrans during the nesting period. Use
of pesticides.

4 Species of Accipiter nisus, Accipiter Active nesting area Reduction, degradation and
small diur- brevipes, Falco peregri- loss of specific nesting habitat
nal birds of nus, Falco cherrug, Falco (due to excessive forest har-
prey subbuteo, Falco nau- vesting, development of infra-
manni, Falco tinnunculus structure for tourism and trans-
port). Disturbances within the
nesting area due to various an-
thropogenic activities (forest
works, tourism, etc.) carried out
during the nesting period. Use
of pesticides.

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5 Other bird Ciconia nigra Active nesting area Reduction, degradation and
species ( Black Stork) loss of specific nesting habitat
Corvus corax (due to excessive forest har-
( Common Raven) vesting, development of infra-
structure for tourism and trans-
port). Disturbances within the
nesting area due to various an-
thropogenic activities (forest
works, tourism, etc.) carried out
during the nesting period. Use
of pesticides.
6 Tetrao tetrix Lekking areas Reduction, degradation and
(Black Grouse) loss of specific breeding habitat
Tetrao urogallus (due to excessive forest har-
(Capercaillie) vesting, clear-cuts, develop-
ment of infrastructure for
tourism and transport, grazing
in the vicinity of lekking and
breeding areas.
TREE SPECIES
7 Corylus colurna Specimens of the Forest fires
(Turkish Hazel) species
Pinus cembra
(Swiss/Stone pine)
Pinus mugo
(dwarf mountain pine)
Taxus baccata
(Yew)
PLANT SPECIES
8 Cypripedium calceolus The habitat where Fragmentation and degradation
(Lady's slipper orchid) the species are of the habitat (due to excessive
Fritillaria spp. dominant forest harvesting, development
(Tulip) of infrastructure for mountain
Himantoglossum tourism and transport).
caprinum Illegal collection and trade of
(Greek Orchid) the species specimens.
Paeonia spp.
(Peony)

MAMMAL SPECIES
9 Canis lupus Den Fragmentation and degradation
(wolf) of the habitat (due to excessive
forest harvesting, development
of infrastructure for mountain
tourism and transport). Distur-
bances during the breeding
season.

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10 Felis silvestris den (shelter) Fragmentation and degradation


(wild cat) of the habitat (due to excessive
forest harvesting, development
of infrastructure for mountain
tourism and transport).
11 Lynx lynx Den / (shelter) Fragmentation and degradation
(Lynx) of the habitat (due to excessive
forest harvesting, development
of infrastructure for mountain
tourism and transport).Distur-
bances during the breeding
season.
12 Rupicapra rupicapra Winter shelters Fragmentation and degradation
(Chamois) of the habitat (due to excessive
forest harvesting, development
of infrastructure for mountain
tourism).
13 Ursus arctos Den Fragmentation and degradation
(brown bear) of the habitat (due to excessive
forest harvesting, development
of infrastructure for mountain
tourism and transport).Distur-
bances during the breeding
season.
BAT SPECIES
14 Rhinolophus ferrume- Any type of (tem- The main threat to forest bats is
quinum, Rhinolophus porary or perma- the loss of shelter places, par-
blasii, Rhinolophus eu- nent) shelter used ticularly hollows. The flight
ryale, Rhinolophus hip- by any of the bat couloirs/routes between the
posideros, Rhinolophus species any time shelter and the feeding areas as
mehelyi, Myotis bech- of the year well as the migration
steinii, Myotis blythii, My- Feeding areas in- couloirs/routes between the
otis brandtii, Myotis ca- tensively and peri- shelters are also affected.
paccinii, Myotis odically visited by Another threat is the use of in-
emarginatus, Myotis any of the bat secticides, which impact upon
dasycneme, Myotis species the bats populations both di-
daubentonii, Myotis my- rectly and indirectly, due to the
otis, Myotis mystacinus, decrease of the food resources.
Myotis nattereri, Nyctalus
lasiopterus, Nyctalus leis-
leri, Nyctalus noctula,
Eptesicus nilssonii,
Eptesicus serotinus, Ves-
pertilio murinus, Pipistrel-
lus kuhlii, Pipistrellus
nathusii, Pipistrellus pip-
istrellus, Pipistrellus pyg-
maeus, Hypsugo savii,
Plecotus auritus, Pleco-
tus austriacus, Bar-
bastella barbastellus,

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Miniopterus schreibersii,
Tadarida teniotis
ANT SPECIES
15 Formicidae sp. Ant hills Reduction and degradation of
(Ant Species) the forest-specific habitat use of
insecticides in such habitats.
Note of the working group: out of the relevant legislation (at the moment of standard
development) only these species were selected because: (i) compared to standard
requirements, additional measures are needed for their conservation, (ii) the effi-
ciency of fulfilling the conservation objectives (the process for FSC certification must
be pragmatic, and not become something exclusive – i.e. very high costs and very
high levels of expertise needed).

The list is only to guide the process not to represent and exhaustive and closed list
and will be adapted to the evolution of the national legislation and any particular situ-
ations at national level.

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Annex C.1 Groups of forests types in Romania

FORMATION GROUP: 1 PURE SPRUCE STANDS AND FOREST TYPES WITH SPRUCE
(Picea composita)
1 1 Pure spruce stands (Piceeta)
1 2 Spruce – fir stands (Piceto-Abieta)
1 3 Mixed Norway spruce – silver fir – European beech mixed stands (Piceeto-Fageta)
1 4 Norway spruce – European beech mixed stands (Piceeto-Fageta)
1 5 Norway spruce - European larch mixed stands (Piceeto-Larcheta)
1 6 Norway spruce - stone pine mixed stands (Piceeto-Cembreta)

FORMATION GROUP: 2 PURE SILVER FIR STANDS AND SILVER FIR FOREST TYPES
(WITHOUT SPRUCE) (ABIETA COMPOSITA)
2 1 Pure silver fir stands (Abieta)
2 2 Fir-beech mixed stands (Abieto-Fageta)
2 3 Mixed fir stands and mixed beech stands (Abieto-Fageta composita)

FORMATION GROUP: 3 PINE STANDS, LARCH STANDS AND FOREST TYPES OF VARI-
OUS CONIFEROUS (WITHOUT SPRUCE OR FIR)
3 1 Pure Scots pine stands (Pineta sylvestris)
3 2 Pure black pine stands (Pineta nigrae)
3 3 Mixed black pine stands (Pineta nigrae composita)
3 4 Pure European larch stands (Lariceta)
3 5 European larch – stone pine stands (Lariceto-Cembreta)
3 6 Stone pine stands (Pineta cembrae)

FORMATION GROUP: 4 PURE EUROPEAN BEECH STANDS AND FOREST TYPES WITH
EUROPEAN BEECH (WITHOUT OAK) (FAGETA)
4.1 Pure mountain European beech stands (Fageta montana)
4 2 Pure hill European beech stands (Fageta submontana)
4 3 Mixed European beech stands (Fageta composita)

FORMATION GROUP: 5 PURE SESSILE OAK STANDS AND FOREST TYPES WITH SES-
SILE OAK (QUERCETA SESSILIFLORAR COMPOZITA)
5 1 Pure sessile oak stands (Querceta sessiflorae)
5 2 Sessile oak – beech mixed stands (Querceto-Fageta)
5 3 Sessile oak mixed stands in the hills (Querceta sessiliflorae-Carpineta)
5 4 Sessile oak – pedunculate oak mixed stands (Querceta sessiliflorae-roboris)

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5 5 Sessile oak and pedunculate oak mixed stands in the hills (Querco-roboris-sessiliflorae-
Carpineta)

FORMATION GROUP: 6 PURE PEDUNCULATE OAK STANDS AND FORESTS WITH PE-
DUNCULATE OAK (WITHOUT SESSILE OAK) (QUERCETA ROBORIS)
6 1 Pure pedunculate oak stands (Querceta roboris)
6 2 Pedunculate oak mixed stands in the hills and low plains (Querco robori-Carpineta)
6 3 Mixed stands from floodplains (Querco robori-Carpineta fraxinetosa)

FORMATION GROUP: 7 PURE TURKEY OAK STANDS, PURE ITALIAN OAK STANDS,
TURKEY OAK AND ITALIAN OAK MIXED FORESTS (QUERCETA CONFERTAE – CERRIS)
7 1 Pure Turkey oak stands (Querceta cerris)
7 2 Italian Oak stands (Querceta confertae)
7 3 Turkey oak – Italian oak mixed stands (Querceta confertae cerris)
7 4 Mixed stands of Turkey oak, Italian oak and other oak species (Querceta mixta)
7 5 Mixed forests with Turkey oak, mixed forests with Italian Oak (Querco- Carpineta cerre -
tosa)

FORMATION GROUP: 8 OAK AND DOWNY OAK MIXED STANDS AND MIXED FORESTS
WITH DOWNY OAK (QUERCETA PEDUNCULIFLORAE-PUBESCENS)
8 1 Oak stands (Querceta pedunculiflorae)
8 2 Pure downy oak stands, (Querceta pubescentis)
8 3 Mixed stands of oak and downy oak (Querceta pedunculiflorae-pubescentis)
8 4 Mixed stands of oak and pedunculate oak (Querceta roboris- pedunculiflorae)
8 5 Mixed forest steppe with oak and downy oak (Querco –Carpineta subtermophilia)

FORMATION GROUP: 9 FORESTS OF POPLAR, WILLOW, ALDER (POPULETA, SALC-


ETA, ALNETA)
9 1 Pure white poplar stands (Populeta albae)
9 2 Pure black poplar stands (Populeta nigrae)
9 3 Mixed white and black poplar stands (Populeta nigrae-albae)
9 4 Trembling aspen stands (Populeta tremulae)
9 5 Pure willow stands (Saliceta albae)
9 6 Mixed poplars and willow stands (Populeto-Saliceta)
9 7 Black alder stands (Alneta glutinosae)
9 8 Grey alder stands (Alneta incanae)
9 9 Mixed black and grey alder stands (Alneta incanae - glutinosae)

FORMATION GROUP: „0” FORESTS OF VARIOUS DECIDUOUS SPECIES

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0 1 Hornbeam stands (Carpineta)


0 2 Lime-tree stands (Tilieta)
0 3 Maple stands (Acereta)
0 4 Ash stands (Fraxinus)
0 5 Elm stands (Ulmeta)

Explanatory notes:
The above classification distinguishes 10 groups of forest type formations, namely:
1. Pure spruce stands and forest types with spruce
2. Pure silver fir stands and silver fir forest types (without spruce)
3. Pine stands, larch stands and various coniferous (without spruce or fir) forest types
4. Pure European beech stands and forest types with European beech (without oak)
5. Pure sessile oak stands and forest types with sessile oak
6. Pure pedunculate oak stands and forests with pedunculate oak (without sessile oak)
7. Pure Turkey oak stands, Pure Italian oak stands, Turkey oak and Italian oak forests
8. Oak and downy oak mixed stands and mixed forests with downy oak
9. Forests of poplar, willow, alder.
10. Forests of various deciduous species.

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The main criterion in setting up these 10 formation groups consisted in the selection of vari-
ous species or species groups specific for each formation group, covering in this way the
classification system for the forest types in Romania.
Thus, for group no. 1, the main species is the Norway spruce (Picea abies (L) Karsten); for
group no. 2, the main species is the Silver fir (Abies alba Miller), for group no. 3, the pines (Pi-
nus sylvestris L., P. nigra Arnold, P.cembra L.) and the larch (Larix decidua Miller) and so on.
The last group includes various deciduous species which would normally enter the specific
composition of other groups, but which, in rare cases, can stand for particular separate types.
Usually these types of forests are not natural types but types derived from the former. Yet,
there are cases when such species can form natural forest types, some of them with relic ori-
gin, others related to a-zonal conditions (flood plain types).
Within each such formation group, the formations are usually distinguished according to the
species composition criterion. Thus, within the first group, of “pure spruce stand and spruce
forest type”, the following formations are differentiated:
1 1 Pure spruce stands (Piceeta)
1 2 Spruce – fir stands (Piceto-Abieta)
1 3 Mixed Norway spruce – silver fir – European beech mixed stands (Piceeto-Fageta)
1 4 Norway spruce – European beech mixed stands (Piceeto-Fageta)
1 5 Norway spruce - European larch mixed stands (Piceeto-Larcheta)
1 6 Norway spruce - stone pine mixed stands (Piceeto-Cembreta)

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Annex C.2 Representative Areas level

a. Natural forests – forest areas in which many of the main features and key elements of
native ecosystems, such as complexity, structure and biodiversity, are present

b. Intensive plantations – forest areas in which most of the main features and key ele-
ments that define the native ecosystems are not present; such areas are the result of
anthropogenic activities such as planting, sowing or intensive tending operations
(plantations / cultures with allochthonous species – Euro-American poplars, selected
willows, Douglas fir, red oak, etc.)

Forest management intensity


low medium high
Representative Areas level (% of
management unit area)
Size of the > 50.000 ha 11% 11% 12%
management 10.000 – 50.000 ha 10% 11% 12%
unit 100 – 10.000 ha 10% 10% 11%

Notes:
Low intensity forest management from the naturalness point of view = natural forests (as de-
fined above) over 70% of forest area
Medium intensity forest management from the naturalness point of view = natural forests (as
defined above) under 70% of forest area but intensive plantations (as defined above) also un-
der 70% of forest area
High intensity forest management from the naturalness point of view = intensive plantations
(as defined above) over 70% of forest area
Size of the management unit will be assimilated to forest area included in the certificate

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Annex D: High Conservation Value Forests

Note: the information in this annex was taken and adapted from the HCVF Toolkit published by WWF Romania, 2 nd edition, year 2013

HCVF 1. FOREST AREAS THAT CONTAIN GLOBALLY, REGIONALLY OR NATIONALLY SIGNIFICANT 1 CONCENTRATIONS OF BIODIVERSITY2 VALUES (RARE, ENDEMIC,
THREATENED OR ENDANGERED SPECIES)
HCVF 1.1. – Forest areas included in protected areas
Definition
Forest areas included in scientific reserves, nature reserves, and areas declared nature monuments, fully-protected areas or strict nature reserves within the natural areas pro-
tected in compliance with the environmental legislation in force.
Threshold
The presence of forest areas within protected areas included in the above mentioned categories, if their main objective is the conservation of biodiversity3.
Identification and management measures (for guidance purpose only)
IDENTIFICATION:
- List of the protected areas in Romania;
- Documents on the proposals4 for the designation of nature reserves at local and county levels – County Councils, Agencies for Environment Protection, other institu-
tions;
- Management plans of the protected areas;
- Forest management plans.
MANAGEMENT MEASURES:
The management measures for HCVF1.1 are those set within the management plans of the protected areas.
For the areas included in the functional categories of the T I functional type, no human interventions are allowed. In the case of nature reserves, based on the assessment of
the conservation needs of the species and habitats for which such reserves were designated, management measures shall be applied in order to maintain or improve the sig-
nificant concentrations of rare, threatened and endangered species. In such cases, although the forestry technical norms recommend the same functional type as for the other
categories (i.e. T I), appropriate management measures should be proposed (i.e. not all the forest area is automatically included under strict protection).

1
"Significant" is to be interpreted as:
• designation, classification or recognition of the conservation status by an international institution;
• designation by national or regional authorities of by a responsible conservation organisation;
• voluntary recognition by the “organisation”, based on the available information and on the stakeholder consultation with regard to the presence of some significant biodiversity concentrations, even if they are not (currently) officially declared as such, taking into account the
consequences on the management;
2
For the purpose of this standard, "Biodiversity concentrations" is to be understood as:
• significant number of species classified as rare, threatened, endangered or endemic;
• important populations or abundance of a species significant in relation to the populations at national, regional or global levels;
• even a small population (mere presence) of a critically endangered species
3
Although the title refers to “protected areas” in general terms, the concept of HVC 1.1 only refers to those protected areas which indeed contain globally, regionally or nationally significant concentrations of biodiversity values. Therefore, only the forest areas included in those
types of protected areas or parts of such areas in which such high concentrations of biodiversity are present shall be identified as HVC 1.1. Categories of protected areas or parts within them which do not meet this requirement shall not be included.
4
In case there are proposals which (for a long period of time) have not been solved, the precautionary principle that requires additional asessments shall be applied.

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Forest Stewardship Council®

HCVF 1.2 – FORESTS CONTAINING RARE, ENDEMIC, THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES
Definition
Forests which are habitats for rare, threatened and endangered species.
Threshold5
1. occurrence of a viable population of one of the species mentioned in table 1
2. species are located within a site designated on scientific criteria and recognized as having nationally or regionally significant concentrations: protected areas of commu-
nity interest, protected areas of national interest or other relevant studies6.
Identification and management measures (for guidance purpose only)
IDENTIFICATION:
For the identification of the forests with critical concentrations of the plant species in Table 1, the following sources shall be used:
 list of protected areas in Romania
 Natura 2000 database
 the management plans of the protected areas
 files/records for the designation of the protected areas
 scientific research studies in this field
 forest management plans
 consultations with research institutes, education, museums, local experts, protected area managers, NGOs etc.

MANAGEMENT MEASURES:
I. For forest dwelling species:
The forestry works shall be in compliance with the ecological needs of the species intended for conservation (especially humidity and light) and shall be decided following the
consultation with biology experts. Furthermore, such works shall ensure the continuity of the habitat in that specific location, either within the same or in the neighboring forest
stands, taking into account the fact that the forest ecosystem has a cyclic evolution, the early development stages are naturally featured by the absence of the herbaceous
layer due to excessive shade, - i.e. the extreme density of young trees generates an excessive competition for all resources – light, water, nutrients. Timber harvesting shall not
be carried out during the growing season of the species of interest, in order to ensure opportunities for their reproduction and perpetuation. Timber collection shall be carried
out with minimum impact on the soil, in order to avoid damages to roots and to underground vegetative reproduction structures (rhizomes, bulbs).
II. For species dwelling in ecosystems adjacent to the forests:
No operations producing radical changes of the habitat of the species of interest (such as drainage, plantations, substitutions etc.) shall be carried out. The harvesting of the
timber, especially felling and extraction, from the forest adjacent to such ecosystems shall avoid the areas (ecosystems) where there are populations of the species to protect.
Where this is not possible, such activities shall only be carried out during the cold season (preferably when the soil is frozen and/or covered with snow), in order to avoid dam-
5
Thresholds 1 and 2 should be considered cumulatively.
6
Through the engagement of the “organisation”, after stakeholder consultation and based on the existing research, the manager may also decide to take into consideration the high conservation values outside the protected areas already designated. Useful studies in this re -
spect can be: files/records for the designation or extension of protected areas, regional development strategies, integrated management plans, Forest management plans, various scientific researches etc.

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aging the plants and to mitigate to the minimum the damage to the soil and, implicitly, to the underground vegetative reproduction structures – e.g. rhizomes, bulbs.

Table 1 Species of rare, threatened and endangered plants


No. Species Occurrence
1 Acanthus balcanicus Hey- AB: Alba Iulia, Micesti; CS: Danube valley (between Bazias and Pojejena), reserve Cheile Nerei - Beusnita; MH: between Svinita and Tri-
wood & I. Richardson Kule, Orsova on hill Alion, Danube valley at Portile de Fier and Cazanele Mici, Hinova, Cerneti, hill Iorgutovei, hill Starminei, between
Schela Cladovei and Varciorova, Varciorova, Gura Vaii, between Arginesti and Butoiesti, v. Oglanicului; DJ: Craiova, Teisani, Segarcea,
Radovan, plateau Plenita; OT: plateau Cotmeana between Campeni and Spineni
2 Acer monspessulanum L. CS: Pescari, Drencova; MH: in Danube valley at Cazane, Plavisevita, Dubova, Cuina Turcului, v. Saraorschi, Ogradena; GL: cultivated on
plateau Milos - Cismele and plateau Garboavele - Tulucesti
3 Achillea cartilaginea TM: Lugoj; IS: Iasi at Socola; SV: Suceava at Itcani towards Burdujeni
Ledeb. ex Rchb.
4 Bulbocodium versicolor VS: Podul Oprii in plateau "Valea Babei"
(Ker Gawl.) Spreng.
5 Caragana frutex (L.) K. VS: Tatarani-Danesti on hill Botoaia-Budunoaia, Baltati (com. Tatarani) on hill Chicera, Serbesti-Ciortesti on hill Morei, Dobroslovesti-Za-
Koch podeni on hill Uncesti, Tanacu in reserve „Coasta Rupturile” and on grazing land „Horeta”, Draxeni, Ivesti: hill Bujoru, Manjesti at „Coasta
Murgenilor” and on v. Crasnei at cca. 120 m alt.; IS: Valea Lunga; CT: Adamclisi, Valea Rea, Carpinis, between Baraganul and Valea
Seaca on v. Omurcea, Mircea Voda on v. Cara-Su, Cochirleni, Canaraua Fetii, rez.: Dumbraveni and Esechioi, plateau „Ion Creanga”-
Valeni; TL: Atmagea on v. Ghiubelca, Agighiol, hill Chervantu
6 Cardamine enneaphyllos BV: Predeal on v. Rasnoavei; CS; MH: v. Pragusului Mare; GJ: Novaci-Ranca; SV: Argestru, Campulung, Carlibaba; Mts Capatanii on Mt.
(L.) Crantz Buila
7 Cardamine quinquefolia VN: Brosteni on hill Deleanu, Focsani in plateau Crang; BC: Chetris-Tamasi, Pod. Barladului, interfluviul Siret-Barlad; NT: Poienari; VS:
(M. Bieb.) Schmalh. Dranceni, plateau Siscani, Husi in plateau Dobrina in pct. „Scolul” at cca. 350 m alt., Bahnari in plateau Rediu-Bustei and Branistea,
Mircesti-Tacuta in plateau Tufesti, Bereasa-Danesti in plateau Bousori and Dop, Lipovat, Ciomag and Pascani, Puscasi-Laza, Bogdana,
Morareni, Al. Vlahuta, Chetrosu, Gherghesti, Ibanesti, Mireni, Coroiesti, Viisoara; IS: Dobrovat in plateau Cobuza and Buda, plateau
Barnova, plateau Dobrovat, Trifesti in plateau Roscani
8 Cephalorrhynchus tubero- MH: between Orsova and Gura Vaii, Varciorova, Danube valley at Cazane
sus (Steven) Schchian
9 Chartolepis glastifolia (L.) BZ: plateau Frasinu, plateau Spataru, plateau Gomesti at 86 m alt., between Lipia and Pietrosul, at cca. 1,5 Km de Lipia, in point “in
Cass. (Centaurea glastifo- balta” (Cracanata, com. Stalpu)
lia L.; Centaurea char-
tolepis Greuter)
10 Chimaphila umbellata (L.) HR: Meresti, Tusnad-Bai on Mt. Puciosul, Tusnad on Cetatuia, Valea Alba, Baile Homorod; CV: Valcele, Reci; BV: Cristian, Zizin on Com-
W. P. C. Barton bos, Noa, Sacele; SB: Dumbrava Sibiu; SV: Calinesti-Cuparenco, Calinesti-Enache, Benea on hill Glodului, Dumbrava-Granicesti; BT:
Dorohoi at “Zvoriste”; Mts Nemira; Barsei (Mt. Postavarul)

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Forest Stewardship Council®

11 Comandra elegans (Rochel MM; CJ; CS; MH: Breznita de Ocol, Gura Slatinicului, v. Topolnitei, Flamanda, Varciorova; GJ: Bascov; DJ: Craiova, Vartop; OT; VL:
ex Rchb.) Rchb. fil. Horezu in „Padurea Boului”; TR: Blejesti-Videle; GR: Comana, Ghimpati; IF: Vlad Tepes; GL: langa plateau Garboavele, Pechea, Valea
Marului, Slobozia Conachi in plateau Baltatu, Urlesti; CT: reserve Canaraua Fetii, Esechioi, Ostrov; TL: Greci on Piatra Imbulzita, hill Se-
cara
12 Corylus colurna L. CS: Parcul Cheile Nerei-Beusnita, v. Sirinei, plateau Berzasca, Mt. Domogled, v. Cernei, Baile Herculane, Ciorici; MH („Dealul lui Vodita”,
v. Vodita, v. Dohomna, Bazinetul Dubovei, Piatra Closani on Piatra Mica and Piatra Mare, v. Tesnei at Covei, v. Bahnei, Varciorova, Stre-
haia in plateau Gavanele); GJ: Man. Tismana, Closani on v. Motrului, Steiul Rosu, hill Calului, Calugareni, reserve “Cotul with Aluni”,
Topesti, Piatra Closanilor, Vf. Gorganu
13 Corydalis pumila (Host) DJ: Podari in Valea Rea; Bucuresti (plateau Baneasa); GL: Barbosi; TL: hill Denis Tepe
Rchb.
14 Crocus chrysanthus TL: Cataloi, Niculitel, Man. Cocos, Isaccea, Telita, Valea Teilor, Balabancea, Ceamurlia, Babadag, Meidanchioi, Trestenic, Beidaud, hill
(Herb.) Herb. Consul, hill Bestepe, hill Mandresti, alte local.; CT: reserve Hagieni, Dumbraveni and Esechioi, Agigea, Carstul Cheia, Adamclisi in
plateau Sipote
15 Cypripedium calceolus L. MM: Bistra; SJ; CJ; BN; MS; HR (incl. Odorheiul Secuiesc on hill Flirtus, Bradesti; CV; BV: Predeal, Mt. Tampa; SB; AB: v. Rametului; BH;
CS (incl. Baile Herculane); MH: Baia de Arama; GJ: Novaci, Piatra Closani; AG: Campulung; BZ: v. Niscovului; BC: Onesti, Buhoci,
Slanic; NT (incl. Man. Durau, Pangarati); VS: Pogana; IS, incl. plateau Repedea, Tatarusi, between Cristesti and Motca; BT: Hiliseu-Horia,
plateau Gorovei, Dorohoi on „Plaiul Zvoristea”, Baisa and Sendriceni; SV: Zamostea, Calinesti-Cuparenco, Brosteni, Campulung
Moldovenesc; Mts: Calimani; Rarau: “Codrul Secular Slatioara”; Bistritei: Crucea-Toance; Ceahlau; Hasmas; Cheile Bicazului; Penteleu;
Piatra Craiului; Retezat: Albele
16 Daphne blagayana Freyer Mts: Ciucas (Vf. Ciucas); Piatra Mare; Postavarul; Piatra Craiului; Bucegi (Sinaia at Stancile "Sf. Ana", Mt. Padina Crucii, v. Ghimbaselu-
lui, Bucsoiul; Baiului, incl. on v. Azugai and v. Cazacului at cca. 950 m alt.); Iezer-Papusa on v. Dambovicioarei; Cozia: Man. Stanisoara,
Vf. Cozia, Galdanul; Capatanii: Buila, Piatra Tarnovului; Parang; Valcan (Dosul Macrisului, „Locuri Rele” in Def. Jiului); Mehedinti (Piatra
Closani on Piatra Mica and Piatra Mare, Piatra Mare at curmatura dintre “Pietre”; Bihor-Vladeasa: Vidra; BV: Brasov on stanca
„Predigstuhl” ; AB: Campeni; AG
17 Daphne laureola L. CS: Moldova Noua on hill „Milan”, Cozla on v. Sirinei, reserve Valea Mare-Moldova Noua; MH: Varciorova at Portile de Fier, between v.
Mraconiei and Cazanele Mari, Def. Dunarii, v. Siriniei
18 Doronicum orientale Hoffm. AB: Sebes; GR: Comana in plateau “Valea Hotilor”; TL: in plateau “Teke“ at Cerna, plateau „Valea Fagilor” - Luncavita
19 Dracocephalum thymiflo- SV: Pojorata, Masivul Rarau
rum L.
20 Elymus panormitanus CS: reserve Domogled mai sus de „Ogasul Mutului”, Mt. Domogled, Drencova, Baile Herculane at Ciorici; MH: Svinita on hill Trescovat,
(Parl.) Tzvelev (Agropyron Plavisevita, Varciorova at Portile de Fier, Gura Vaii, reserve Gura Vaii-Varciorova, hill Duhovnei
panormitanum Parl.)
21 Epipactis microphylla CJ; BN; BV; AB: Vf. Pragul at S-V de iezerul Ighiel, Tibru; HD; BH: reserve “Def. Crisului Repede” on hill Magurii, v. pr. Sighistel, Calugari
(Ehrh.) Sw. on v. Preotesei, Dumbravita on Vf. Bujorului and on V. Pinilor; AR: Aciuta, Crocna, Dulcele and v. Zimbrului; TM; CS: Baile Herculane;
MH: Ogasul Tiganului, Varciorova; GJ: Man. Tismana; AG; PH: Sinaia; IS: Iasi; TL: Cerna; Mts: Piatra Craiului; Bucegi; Fagaras; Tarcu-
Petreanu; Cernei; Mehedinti (v. r. Tesna); Codru-Moma; Plopis on hill Iepure, hill Linul, hill Ponor and pr. Bistra

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Forest Stewardship Council®

22
Eu-
phor
bia
carp
at-
ica
Woł.
MM:
Baia
Mar
e on
hill
Ro-
jali
in
Mt.
Ig-
nis,
Sap
anta
at
Apa
Rosi
e,
Sat-
Sug-
atag
,
Baz.
r.
Mar
a, at
Run
cu,
on v.
Sted
ea,

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Forest Stewardship Council®

on v.
Mar
e,
Chei
le
Tata
rului,
on v.
Po-
du-
lui,
Baz.
v. Fi-
riza
(pe
v.
Nea-
gra,
v. Bl-
i-
daru
, sub
Poia
na
Ieza
rele,
Izv.
Stu-
rului,
Poia
na
lui
Du-
mitr
u,
halta
Run
c,

5
Forest Stewardship Council®

Hor-
dau
a,
Trise
pinti,
„La
Punt
i”, at
con-
flu-
enta
izv.
Run
cu
with
izv.
de la
Col-
ibi,
Nire-
sul
Sap
an-
tei,
Jil-
eres
cu;
SM:
Cert
eze
lang
a ml.
„Bre
bu”
at
cca.
650
m

6
Forest Stewardship Council®

alt.,
Cert
eze
lang
a pr.
Vale
a
Alba
23 Galanthus plicatus M. Bieb. TL: Ciucurova, plateau Babadag, Man. Cocos, Niculitel “La Monument”, Man. Celik, Cerna, Tiganca, Babadag, hill Sarica, Carasan-Teke,
Edirlen; CT: reserve Dumbraveni, reserve Fantanita-Murfatlar
24 Galanthus elwesii Hook. fil. CS; MH; DJ: Rast on „Ostrovul lui Vana”; VN: Focsani in plateau Crang; GL: frecv in Baz. Chinejii, Munteni, Ghidigeni, Tanasoaia, Iacomi,
Hanul Conachi, plateau Balta-Munteni, plateau Torcesti; VS: Vinderei, Vaslui, Husi, Movileni-Coroiesti; BC: Podu-Turcului, Codrii Cucului,
Seaca, Loturi, Fantanele-Lehancea, Plopu-Motoseni, Glavanesti; CT (incl. reserve Hagieni, Dumbraveni, Canaraua Fetii and Esechioi,
plateau Seid-Orman, Adamclisi spre Ostrov, reserve „Gura Dobrogei”); TL (incl. Mts Macinului)
25 Geranium asphodeloides
Burm. fil.
CT: Gr. Saele at cetatea
Histria; TL: Macin at baza
Mt. Pricopanul
26 Gymnospermium altaicum
(Pall.) Spach. ssp.
odessanum (DC.) E. Mayer
& Pulević
TL: between Cerna and
Greci on hill Chervantu,
Agighiol, Izvoarele on hill
Consul, Luncavita, hill De-
nis-Tepe, hill Sarica,
Carasan-Teke, com.
Izvoarele, Greci on hill Mo-
roianu, Cerna on hill
Dalchi, Valea Teilor on hill
Trestenic
27 Himantoglossum sensu MS; SB: Casolt and Gusterita; AB; BH; AR: Ghioroc; TM; CS: Baile Herculane, Bozovici on v. Lighidiei; MH, Svinita, Tisovita, Plavisevita,
lato (L.) Spreng. Varciorova, Dudasul Schelei, langa pestera Topolnita; GJ: Piatra Closani; DJ; OT: plateau Resca; DB: between Man. Dealul and Man. Vi-
forata on „Valea Sasului”; PH: Scaieni-Ploiesti; BZ: Baz. r. Ramnicu Sarat; GR: Comana, Ghimpati; IF: plateau Baneasa Nemtoaicei,
plateau Cernica; IL; IS: Schitul Stavnic, Ciurea, Barnova; CT (incl. rez.: Hagieni, Canaraua Fetii and Esechioi, Murfatlar); TL (incl. plateau
Babadag, catre Caugagia, Nifon, plateau Tiganca)

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Forest Stewardship Council®

28 Hypericum umbellatum A. AB: Vidra (pe Piatra Strutu and Poienile de sub Piatra) and Abrud on Mt. Vulcan
Kern.
29 Iris sintenisii Janka BZ: reserve "Paclele"; GL: Tecuci; VS: Murgeni; IS: reserve „Valea lui David”, Deleni, Galata-Iasi; BT: Calugareni-Ungureni; TL: plateau
Babadag in poiana Chiurum-Tarla, Niculitel, Ortachioi, Macin spre Ghecet, Razboieni, Neatarnarea, Telita, Carasan-Teke, Uspenia; CT:
reserve Canaraua Fetii, reserve Esechioi, reserve Hagieni
30 Lathyrus laxiflorus (Desf.) MH: Govodarva, Malovat
Kuntze
31 Limodorum abortivum (L.) MS; BV; AB: Paclisa on v. Salistei, Alba Iulia in Mas. Mamut; BH; AR: v. Crisului Alb, Araneag, Nadas, Conop, Dumbrava, v. Milovita, Gu-
Sw. rahont, v. Uibaresti, Rasca, hill Baltele; CS: Baile Herculane; MH: hill Glogovei-Comanestilor, Gura Slatinicului, Varciorova on Mt. Cio-
canul, on „Hill Mare” and „Duhovna”, Svinita, v. Ieselnitei; GJ: Man. Tismana, at „Vartoapele Ieroni”; OT; VL, incl. Nisipi; AG; DB: Priseaca,
Teis, v. Tiei, Plaiul Mogoi; BZ: Hierasti, Homesti, Baz. r. Ramnicu Sarat, reserve "Paclele"; GR: Comana; IF: Peris; VN: Pufesti, Plos-
cuteni; GL: plateau Adam, plateau Poganesti – Suceveni; VS: Barbosi-Hoceni, Bogdana Voloseni, Fedesti, Trestiana; IS: plateau Cras-
nita-Ciortesti; CT (incl. reserve Canaraua Fetii and Esechioi, Sipote in plateau Ierbosu); TL (Delta D.: Letea, plateau Babadag-Codru);
Mts: Zarandului); Plopis: hill Boti, hill Iepure, hill Linul, hill Ticleu
32 Malus dasyphylla Borkh. BN: Rodna; BV: Brasov; CT: reserve „Gura Dobrogei”; TL: Babadag
33 Ophrys fuciflora (F. W. SB: between Orlat and Gura Raului; DB: Teis in plateau "Bordee" at cca. 280 m alt.; Mts Aninei
Schmidt) Moench
34 Ophrys apifera Hudson SB: Poplaca; HD: Geoagiu-Bai; MH: Svinita, between Svinita and Tri-Kule; DB: Targoviste, Man. Viforata in „Valea Cocosatului” and in
„Valea lui Enache”, Laculete, Doicesti, Ocnita, Dealu Mare, Miclosanii Mici, Gorgota; PH: Filipestii de Padure, Breaza, Scaieni, Ploiesti,
Plopu, Harsa
35 Ophrys insectifera L. AB: Aiud, Alba Iulia; DB: Targoviste, Laculete, Pucioasa, Gorgota, Ocnita, Branesti, Teis in plateau "Bordee" at cca. 280 m alt.; PH:
Poiana Tapului, Cheile Doftanei; IS: Schitul Stavnic; SV: v. Siretului; Mts Bucegi at Piatra Arsa
36 Ophrys scolopax Cav. ssp. CS: Oravita, Parcul Semenic-Cheile Carasului, Cheile Nerei, reserve Cheile Garlistei; MH: between Svinita and Tri-Kule; GJ: Tg. Jiu in
oestrifera (M. Bieb.) Soó plateau Ursatei; DB: Targoviste at Teis, Teis in plateau "Bordee" at cca. 280 m alt., between Man. Dealul and Man. Viforata on „Valea
Sasului”, Laculete, Doicesti, Ocnita; PH: Scaieni-Ploiesti, Valea Calugareasca, between gara c.f. Breaza and Nistoresti, Harsa, Plopul,
between Petrosita and Urlati, Calinesti on v. “Nucului”, at “Secui”, “Snuiul”, on colinele “Gorgani”; BZ: Cislau, Patarlagele on valea Viei;
BC: Pasul Oituz at Poiana Sarata on hill Maciucas; Mts Plopis: hill Potochi
37 Ophrys sphegodes Mill. MS: Reghin; BV: Brasov; AB: Alba Iulia, Abrud; HD: Deva, Dobra; BH: Mts Plopis (on hill Tonchi, com. Tinaud, hill Potochi, hill Cetea, hill
Borozel); TM: Luncani
38 Opopanax bulgaricus Ve- CT: Albesti (rez. Hagieni, pct. „Cazanul Mare”)
len.
39 Orchis pallens L. CJ: Cluj-Napoca; HR: Harghita, Praid, Lueta; BV: Brasov „Printre Gradini”, Magura Codlei, „Poiana Cetatii”, „Dealul Morii”, Poiana
Brasov; CS: Resita, Oravita on Mt. Simion, Bozovici in plateau „Poiana Oprestilor”, Moldova Noua in „Valea Mare”, reserve Valea Mare-
Moldova Noua, Mt. Domogled in Poiana Domogled, Malu Mare, Secui; MH: Varciorova on v. Bahnei, spre Ilovita, v. Slatinicului, gura
„Cerovatului”, Orsova on hill Olimp; DJ: Malu Mare, Secui; ? TL: Ciucurova, Nicolae Balcescu, Babadag; Mts: Barsei, incl. Postavarul;
Bucegi; Fagaras (Vf. Galati); Plopis: hill Linul, hill Ponor
40 Orchis papilionacea L. BV: Brasov; CS: Anina, Baile Herculane on Mt. Domogled, reserve Valea Ciclovei, Bozovici, alte local.; MH: Orsova on hill Alion, Plavise-

8
Forest Stewardship Council®

vita, between Ieselnita and Ogradena, Varciorova, Ilovita on v. Cerovatului, Drobeta Turnu Severin on hill Iorgutovei, Baia de Arama, hill
Marcopriciu, between Svinita and Tri-Kule, Tisovita, alte localitati
41 Orchis simia Lam. CS: Bazias, Mts Aninei, in apropierea izv. Beusnitei; MH: Varciorova on Dealul Mare, Plavisevita, at Gura Slatinicului and on „Cracul
Ciolane”, Gura Vaii on hill Carlan, plateau Oglanic, Schela Cladovei, Dudasul Schelei, Ponoare; NT: Roman; CT: reserve Dumbraveni,
Canaraua Fetii and Esechioi, Sipote in plateau Ierbosu; TL: Ciucurova spre Nicolae Balcescu, Babadag, Niculitel spre Taita
42 Ornithogalum fimbriatum GR: Comana, Puieni and Prundu, Greaca, on Valea Gurbanului; IF. Mihai Bravu, Mironesti, 30 Decembrie; CL: langa l. Greaca, Cas-
Willd. cioarele in plateau Tufele Grecului; IL: Slobozia at plateau Slobozeanca, Platonesti, spre cazarma at Slobozia; GL: Rogojeni in plateau
"Rapa Chifului" and at "Valea Chetroasa", Oancea at pct. "Bate Lupul"; TL: between Babadag and gara c.f. Codru, plateau Babadag, Tul-
cea, Nicolae Balcescu, Baschioi, Calugaru-Iancina, Enisala
43 Ornithogalum sphaero- TM: plateau “Casa Verde”; CS: Anina, Danube valley between Moldova Veche and Pojejena on hill Golovarf, reserve Valea Ciclovei, ?
carpum A. Kern. Baile Herculane
44 Paeonia officinalis L. ssp. BH: Borz on hill Pacau, Dumbravita on Vf. Bujorului at 689 m alt.; TM: Lugoj; CS: Bazias; MH: Ribis
banatica (Rochel) Soó
45 Paeonia daurica Andrews MH: Varciorova on Mt. Ciocanul, hill Marcopriciu, Drumul Hotesc; BZ: Salcia on Plaiul Saratii at cca. 400 m alt. (1156), Man. Ciolanu on
hill „Poiana Rotunda”
46 Paeonia mascula (L.) Mill. CS: Bazias, Valea Ciclovei sub Vf. Simion at 450 m alt., Sasca on v. Beusnitei, in apropierea izv. Beusnitei, Bazias-Pojejena; MH: Mt.
Ciocanul, Varciorova
47 Periploca graeca L. GR: Giurgiu; IF; CL: Oltenita; IL: Hatis and Fetesti; BR: Insula Brailei at Zatna in plateau Ciurea; CT: Topalu, Harsova, Cernavoda,
Rasova, Medgidia, Mangalia, Mamaia, Vadu Oii, Adamclisi, Oltina on Ostrovul Strambu, v. Carasu, Harsova; TL: Ostrov
48 Piptatherum holciforme (M. HD; CS; MH; OT; AG; DB; TR; IF; TL: Izvoarele on hill Consul; CT (incl. reserve Hagieni, Dumbraveni and Canaraua Fetii, Murfatlar at
Bieb.) Roem. & Schult. Serpla-Cula)
(Oryzopsis holciformis (M.
Bieb.) Hack.)

49 Psoralea bituminosa L. CT: Ostrov: hill Arab Tabie and Baba Rada, Ostrov at Studina Voda , rez.: Hagieni, Canaraua Fetii and Esechioi
50 Pulmonaria filarszkyana Mts: Maramuresului, on Mt. Farcau, Pietrosul Maramuresului , Macarlau in valea r. Vaser; Rodnei, incl. Pietrosul Mare; Suhard; Obcinele
Jáv. (P. rubra ssp. fi- Bucovinei (Mt. Iedu, Tatarca); Calimani on Piatra Cusmei; Rarau: “Codrul Slatioara”
larszkyana (Jáv.) Domin)
51 Pyrola carpatica Holub & Mts: Rodnei and Bucegi
Krisa
52 Pyrus nivalis Jacq. GR: Comana, Ghimpati; IF: plateau Baneasa
53 Ranunculus flabellifolius CS: Carasova, Oravita, Plavisevita, Cheile Nerei-Beusnita, Prigor; IS: Iasi on hill Repedea
Heuff. & Rchb.
54 Rosa turcica Rouy BV: Brasov; BH: Briheni on hill Crucilor, Huta Balateasa spre poiana Runc; CT: Mangalia; TL: Babadag (hill Ianak-Bair), reserve „Varful
Secaru”-Atmagea
55 Rosa coziae Nyár. Mts: Cozia , incl. on Ciuha Mica; Capatanii: Mt. Buila, Mt. Stogusorul, between Gurguiata and Mt. Stogusoru

9
Forest Stewardship Council®

56 Saccharum strictum (Host) Along the rivers, in: CS, Bazias; MH: Svinita, hill Buliga; PH; GR: Comana, Braesti; IF; TL: in Danube Delta (between Portita and Perisor,
Spreng. (Erianthus appres- Letea, Sf. Gheorghe)
sus Jáv)
57 Saxifraga cymbalaria L. BC: Baile Slanic (in the plateau on hill Surei, on p. dr. a pr. Slanic at cca. 500 m alt.) and between v. Oituzului and Uzului, on v. Dobrului,
on v. Pufului, on v. Salariei , Darmanesti in molidisul „Cracurele” de-a lungul pr. „Izvorul Negru” at cca. 1200 m alt.), Darmanesti at „Plaiul
Ciungetului”
58 Salix daphnoides Vill. MS: Rastolita; SB: Pasul Turnu-Rosu; CS: v. Bistrei Marului; DB: Targoviste in ln. r. Ialomita; PH: Comarnic-Posada, between Sinaia and
Busteni along the river Prahova; GR: Comana; VS: ln. pr. Tifesti, Berezeni, Silistea-Iana; BC: Hemeiusi at lake Lilieci; Mts: Ceahlau and
Giumalau
59 Scutellaria columnae L. CS: Danube valley; MH: reserve Gura Vaii-Varciorova
60 Scutelaria velen- Jud.: Caras-Severin; Mehedinti; Constanta; Tulcea
ovskyiRech. fil.
61 Symphytum tauricum Willd. CT: reserves: Canaraua Fetii and Esechioi; TL: Babadag on v. Chioscula and Ciresicula, Ciucurova, Cocos, Niculitel, Bestepe, Cerna,
Tiganca, plateau „Valea Fagilor” – Luncavita
62 Syringa josikaea J. Jacq. CJ: Ciucea, Negreni; HD: pr. Obarsia de Cris; BH: Lorau, Saliste de Vascau, Baz. Stana de Vale; Mts: Metaliferi (pe Mt. Vulcan); Gilau-
ex Rchb. Muntele Mare (v. Iadei-Rameti, Dealul Mare at 957 m. alt., v. Ariesului and tributaries, v. Aleului and tributaries); BH-CJ: Ciucea, Negreni;
Bihor-Vladeasa: Sacueu, v. Draganului, v. Somesului Cald and tributaries, v. Galbena
63 Taxus baccata L. Carp. Orient. (Mts: Maramuresului; Rodnei; Bargaului; Calimani; Obcina Feredeului); Obcina Mare; Rarau, incl. Cheile „Moara Dracului”,
“Codrul Secular Slatioara”; Giumalau; Stanisoarei); Bistritei; Ceahlau; Hasmas; Cheile Bicazului; Gosman-Tarcau; Gurghiului; Giurgeului;
Harghita; Ciucului; Nemira; Vrancei; Persani: Cheile Varghisului; Siriu; Penteleu; Ciucas; Baiului; Postavarul; Piatra Mare; BN; BC: Brus-
turoasa; Merid. (Mts: Bucegi at Sinaia, Busteni, Predeal on Clabucetul Taurului; Piatra Craiului; Leaota; Iezer-Papusa; Fagaras; Cap-
atanii, incl. catena Buila-Vanturarita, on Mt. Piatra, Cheile pr. Cheia; Lotrului; Cindrel; Sureanu; Parang (sub Vf. Mandra); Valcan; Tarcu-
Petreanu; Godeanu; Cernei; Mehedinti) and Occid. (Mts: Almajului; Semenicului; Aninei; Poiana Rusca; Metaliferi (pe Mt. Vulcan);
Trascaului; Gilau-Muntele Mare, incl. Mt. Scarita-Belioara; Bihor-Vladeasa; CJ: Borzesti, reserve Cheile Turzii); HR: Tusnad-Bai; AB: v.
Rametului); CS: Gura Golambului, Cheile Nerei-Beusnita, reserve Domogled, Berzasca, v. Siriniei, reserve Valea Ciclovei); MH: Portile
de Fier, Bazinetul Dubovei, Tisovita, Cazanele Mari, Dubova, Ogradena; VN: reserve „Cenaru”; BC: Baz. r. Casin (Branisteanu-Reaua
Mare, Man. Casin, Palanca, Comanesti, Darmanesti, Tg. Ocna; NT: reserve „Pangarati” on v. Paraului with Brazi, P. F. Vanatori, Man.
Neamt; BT: reserve Tudora; SV: Crucea-Toance); Cris. (incl. v. Crisului Alb, Varfuri in plateau „Campul Malului”, Talagiu in poiana „Gruiul
Lupului”, O.S. Sudrigiu and Vascau, Izbucul Galbenei, Piatra Galbenei, Piatra Ciungilor, Scarita-Padis, Piatra Bulzului, Piatra Boghii, v.
Saritoarei, plateau Baita).
64 Verbascum glabratum Friv. VL: on v. Lotrului at Brezoi, Golotreni, Man. Cozia, Mt. Foarfeca, Calimanesti, Caciulata
ssp. brandzae (Franch. ex
Brandza) Murb.
65 Vicia biennis L. IF; TL (incl. Delta D. on Gr. Caraorman and Gr. Letea)
66 Vicia sparsiflora Ten. MH: Strehaia; GJ: Mierea Birnicii; DJ: Mihaita in plateau Leamna and Lupulet, Obedin, between Polmeltu and Cotofenii in Dos in plateau
Bancii, Bucovat in plateau Dos, lunca Craiovei; Def. r. Jiu

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HCVF 1.3 – FORESTS OF CRITICAL SEASONAL USE


Definition
Forests providing shelter for high concentrations of species during critical periods/ stages of their lifetime.
Threshold7
1. occurrence of specimens of one of the species listed in Annex 2, in high concentration during a critical period of their existence:
 nesting and resting areas for migratory and/or colonial species;
 capercaillie and black grouse lekking areas;
 rocky areas, areas with old hollowed trees which contain hibernating and breeding bat colonies;
 beaver colonies;
 chamois winter refuge areas;
 wetland areas for breeding of amphibians;
 areas with several bear dens;
 critically significant ecological corridors8;
2. Area is located9 within a site designated according to scientific criteria and recognized as being a shelter for significant concentrations at national or regional level:
protected areas of community interest, protected areas of national interest or other relevant studies10
Identification and management measures (for guidance purpose only)
IDENTIFICATION:
For the identification of the forests with critical concentrations of the species from Table 2 the following sources shall be used:
 list of protected areas in Romania
 Natura 2000 database
 the management plans of the protected areas
 files/records for the designation of the protected areas
 scientific research studies in this field
 forest management plans (subcompartments included the functional category addressing the protection of some rare fauna species)
 Important Bird Areas
 consultations with research institutes, education, museums, local experts, protected area managers, NGOs, etc.
MANAGEMENT MEASURES:
Generally, forest management should ensure tranquility during the critical period within those perimeters with particular concentrations of the species mentioned in the annex.
At the same time, the management measures proposed shall address the creation of an ecological succession to ensure the continuity of the forest vegetation as well as the
preservation of some structures, within the forest stands, enabling them to perform their functions. Detailed management recommendations will have to be implemented on a
7
Thresholds 1 and 2 should be considered cumulatively.
8
They cumulatively meet the following criteria:
 ensure the connectivity for populations of protected species (i.e. large carnivores as umbrella species) between areas recognised as presenting significant concentrations at national or regional level (i.e protected areas);
 the existing network of protected areas does not sufficiently cover, in terms of area or objectives, such ecological corridors;
 the existing infrastructure (such as roads or settlements), and respectively the particular structure of the forest ecosystems make these corridors fundamental for maintaining the connectivity of the populations of interest.
9
An exception can be the ecological corridors of critical importance.
10
Through the voluntary engagement of the “organisation”, after stakeholder consultation and based on the existing research, the manager may also decide to take into consideration the high conservation values outside the protected areas already designated. Useful stu -
dies in this respect can be: files/records for the designation or extension of protected areas, regional development strategies, integrated management plans, forest management plans, various scientific research works etc.

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case by case basis, depending on the specific ecological needs and based on consultations with experts in the field. In the case of areas included protected areas, the conser-
vation of the species will be carried out according to the management plans.

Table 2 Species with critical seasonal use / critical temporal concentrations


Name of the species IUCN Status Status RO Critical / sea- Biotope/Ecology
Red list (2008) OUG sonal use
57/2007
Birds
Ardea cinerea LC Nesting Migratory or partially migratory species. The nesting population in the country is of 3,500-
(The Grey Heron) colonies 4,500 nesting pairs (Birds in Europe 2004).
Species of herons which prefers water surfaces, rivers, lakes. Occurrence in lowland and
hill area. Prefers areas where trees are predominant near the water or on the water banks.
It nests in mixed colonies, together with other species of herons.
It lays 3-5 eggs in March-April. Eggs hatch after 25-26 days. The chicks leave the nest at
the age of about 50 days.
Ardeola ralloides LC A3 Nesting Migratory species. The nesting population in the country is of 5,500-6,500 nesting pairs
(The Squacco Heron) colonies (Birds in Europe 2004).
It is a lowland species which prefers marshy areas and ponds with fresh or semi-salty wa-
ters, habitats of delta and slow river arms or channels. Dense aquatic vegetation, trees
and flooded shrubs are favorable for this species.
It lays 4-6 (7) eggs, which hatch in 22-24 days. Both parents take care of the chicks, which
become independent about two weeks after having left the nest (at the age of 45 days).

Egretta garzetta LC A3 Nesting Migratory species. The nesting population in the country is of 4,000-5,000 nesting pairs
(Little Egret) colonies (Birds in Europe 2004).
This species inhabits fresh or semi-salty wetland habitats with shallow water. Lives in
marshes, fens, lagoons, estuaries and partially flooded lands, irrigated farmlands (rice).
Quite often it can be found in the vicinity of slow flowing watercourses (rivers, channels). It
prefers pelagic vegetation, but it builds its nest on deciduous or coniferous trees. It doesn’t
need a dense vegetation to hide as other heron species need. It nests in small colonies,
on trees (willow, alder), often associated with other heron species. The nest is built by both
sexes and the minimum distance between them is of 1-2 m and on one tree there may be

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up to 10 nests.
The female lays 3-5 (rarely 8) eggs in April-May. The eggs are hatched for 22-25 days.
Both parents take care of the chicks. The chicks become independent at the age of 45-50
days.
Falco tinnunculus LC A4B Nesting Migratory or partially migratory species; there is even occurrence of sedentary popula-
(common kestrel) colonies tions.
The nesting population in the country is of 10,000-14,000 nesting pairs (Birds in Europe
2004).
Occurrence from lowland to alpine area; the species does not avoid urban areas. It occu-
pies nests built by other species of birds, mostly by Corvidae.
It usually nests solitarily, however nesting can also be colonial in areas where the habitat
offers lots of food. It can also be present in Corvidae colonies, and in lowland it is often in
mixed colonies with the red-footed falcon. Apart from trees, it builds nests on rocks, in tree
hollows, on buildings, high voltage lines, etc.
It lays 3-6 eggs in April. The eggs hatch after 27-29 days. The chicks leave the nest at the
age of 27-32 days.
Nycticorax nycticorax LC A3 Nesting Migratory species. The nesting population in the country is of 6,500-8,000 nesting pairs
(black-crowned night heron) colonies (Birds in Europe 2004).
It prefers bodies of standing fresh water and slow rivers such as marshes, ponds, lakes,
lagoons, and creeks, sometimes with wet meadows or flooded areas. It can adapt to hu-
man habitats such as basins, canals, (rice) cultivated lands, small ornamental ponds (in
parks) etc. It generally builds nests and rests on trees, quite often at a distance from feed-
ing wet areas, sometimes in human settlements. It nests in colonies, on trees (willow,
alder, oak, etc.), sometimes with other species of herons and with small cormorants. The
female lays 3-5 (rarely 8) eggs, which hatch after 21-22 days. Both parents take care of
the chicks. Juveniles become independent at the age of 40-55 days.
Phalacrocorax carbo LC Nesting Migratory or partially migratory species; some local populations fly to variable distances
(Great Cormorant) colonies during winter. The nesting population in the country is of 18,000-20,000 nesting pairs
(Birds in Europe 2004). It is an aquatic species, present in fresh waters areas as well as in
salty water areas. It nests in colonies close to water surfaces (sea, delta, lakes, marshes,
rivers), but it avoids deep waters. It builds nests on trees (max. 10 m altitude), in reeds or
on rocks at the sea shore.
It lays 3-4 eggs in March-April. The eggs hatch after 28-31 days. The chicks leave the nest
after about. 50 days
Platalea leucorodia LC A3 Nesting Migratory species. The nesting population in the country is of 1,100 – 1,500 nesting pairs
(Eurasian Spoonbill) colonies (Birds in Europe 2004). It prefers fresh or semi-salted waters, slowly flowing rivers or re-
cently flooded areas.
For nesting it needs large reed areas, with emerging plants (shrubs or trees, preferably

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willow, poplar etc.) on which it builds the nest.


The laying of the 3-4 (6) eggs happens at the end of April, beginning of May, while the
hatching takes 24-25 days..
Plegadis falcinellus LC A3 Nesting Migratory species. The nesting population in the country is of 2,500 – 2,000 nesting pairs
(Glossy Ibis) colonies (Birds in Europe 2004).
It prefers lagoons and large lakes with shallow water, flooded lands, deltas, wetlands near
river and estuaries, sometimes coastal areas, irrigated farmlands, rice fields. It avoids
deep water, fast flowing or turbulent rivers. Very often the nesting and feeding places are
located at large distances, so it flies in large flocks. It doesn’t tolerate human presence, es-
pecially during nesting time.
It nests in colonies, often in dense colonies, almost all the time with other species (with
herons and small cormorants). The nest is built by both sexes and the eggs are laid at the
beginning of May and they hatch after 21 days. Both parents feed the 4 (3-6) chicks, even
after they leave the nest. During the first week, one of the parents is all the time with the
chicks.
Tetrao urogallus LC A3 Lekking aeas Sedentary species. It lives almost exclusively in coniferous forests. The capercaillie needs
(Capercaillie) a series of habitat resources that favor its presence: blueberry bushes and herbaceous
plants for food, insects for chicks, a dense layer of saplings and shrubs for shelter, old
trees with horizontal branches for resting and open areas for flight. These resources are
found in coniferous forests with mosaic structure (including forest stands of diverse ages
and structures) and in herbaceous and scrub ecosystems adjacent to these forests.
The breeding period begins in March and lasts until early June. During this period the
lekking takes place, which represents the courting behavior. Frequently more males gather
in the lekking areas.
The female lays 5-12 eggs during a 10-day period. At the beginning of the hatching period
the females are very sensitive at disturbances, therefore they show a tendency to leave
the nest very easily. As the hatching progresses, they become less willing to leave the nest
and only do this if the disturbing factor is very close. The hatching takes 26-28 days. For
14 days the chicks depend on the female which feeds and protects them against cold.

Tetrao tetrix LC A3 Lekking aeas Sedentary species. It lives in coniferous forest, subalpine shrubs and marshy forests and
(Black grouse) shrubs with tall herbaceous vegetation.
The lekking takes place in open areas: marshes, peat bogs, frozen lakes and glades
where 8-10 males, sometimes even more, often gather.
The female lays 6-11 eggs during a period of 36-48 hours in April, hatching them for 25-27
days. The chicks feed themselves the second day after the hatching and they become in-
dependent after three months.

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Mammals
Name of the species IUCN Status Status RO Critical sea- Biotope/Ecology
Red list (2008) OUG sonal use
57/2007
Ursus arctos LC Areas with a The bear habitat is represented mainly by forests and shrubby transition zones. Depend-
(Brown Bear) high density of ing on the season and on the available food resources, the brown bear also uses mead-
bear dens. ows and hayfields quite frequently, especially those existing within forested areas. During
hibernation, the brown bear in Romanian exclusively uses forested and shrubby areas; it
was noticed that it has a certain tolerance for other bear individuals, fact proved by the
presence of den concentrations identified over small areas (on less than 100 ha). The con-
centration of more bear individuals in one area is the result of several favorable factors
such as quietness, existence of food and water. If a bear is disturbed during the winter
season, it will change its den, fact which generates higher energy consumption resulting in
a significant decrease of its chances to survival. In this context, the disturbances occurring
within the hibernation areas with high concentration of bear population will lead to a de-
crease of the survival chances, females with cubs included, therefore the loss within the
local population can be important.
Rupicapra rupicapra LC Winter shelter The chamois uses various habitats such as the alpine meadows on steep slopes, cliffs and
(Chamois) areas for screes, coniferous and mixed forests. During harsh winters (with a thick snow layer over
chamois long periods), it descends to lower altitudes looking for food and shelter.
Under such conditions, those forests adjacent to the alpine areas or cliffs (where the
species is present) become important for maintaining viable chamois populations. Such ar-
eas provide shelter during harsh weather conditions an occasionally for feeding and giving
birth.
Castor fiber LC A3, A 4A Family Populates river banks bordered with forests or sparse woodlands. It builds a complex sys-
(Beaver) colonies tem of canals and dams made of logs and branches, modifying the watercourse and en-
suring a constant water level that provides access to food areas and shelter in case of
danger. The lodge is built in the middle of the river or in galleries dug into the river bank,
above the water level. The species depends on the watercourse and the neighboring for-
est vegetation. Its protection involves the conservation of the riverside woodlands and
forests, as well as the maintenance of a good water quality.
Nyctalus lasiopterus NT A 4A Breeding and It prefers mixed, mainly broadleaf, forests. During migrations it can frequently be found in
(Greater Noctule Bat) hibernation riverside willow and poplar coppices. Breeding and hibernation colonies are especially
colonies found in softwood old tree hollows (such as the lime tree). It hunts at high altitudes, above
open areas or above the forest canopy. It is a migratory species.

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Nyctalus leisleri LC A 4A Breeding and It uses the forest all year long, for shelter in tree hollows and cracks in the bark. It usually
(Lesser Noctule) hibernation hunts above large water areas, therefore its feeding areas could be at more than 10 km’
colonies distance from the shelter. Some populations are migratory.

Myotis brandtii LC A 4A Breeding Uses forested areas in lowlands, rich in water, but also the human inhabited areas. The
(Brandt’s bat) colonies summer colonies form in tree hollows, under the bark or in artificial shelters and attics. It
hibernates in caves. It hunts at 3-4 m height from the ground in glades, grazing lands,
parks, often at the water level. It is a sedentary species but sometimes it moves between
the summer and the hibernation shelters.

Myotis nattereri LC A 4A Breeding Predominately a forest species living in forests and parks, especially along watercourses.
(Natterer’s bat) colonies The breeding colonies are formed in tree hollows, buildings, artificial shelters or under
bridges. It hibernates in underground natural or artificial holes. It usually hunts in forests
and the prey is captured in flight or dense vegetation. It is a sedentary species.

Pipistellus nathusii LC A 4A Breeding and Predominately a forest species populating mixed deciduous forests, especially along wa-
(Nathusius' Pipistrelle) hibernation tercourses. Summer colonies find shelter in tree hollows and under the bark, in artificial
colonies shelters, rarely in buildings. They hibernate in small groups in tree hollows. Hunting at
about 4-15 m above the ground level, near the waters. It is a migratory species capable to
cover long distances (up to 2,000 km).

Barbastella barbastellus NT A3, A 4A Breeding and It is a forest species, with small breeding colonies formed in tree hollows and under the
(Barbastelle) hibernation bark. The colonies frequently change their shelter. Most of the hibernation shelters are un-
colonies derground. It hunts at a tree canopy level. It uses the forest roads as access to feeding
places. Sometimes it does short migratory flights
Plecotus auritus LC A 4A Breeding and It prefers forested areas, from lowlands to mountains. It builds shelters in tree hollows, cliff
(Brown long-eared bat) hibernation cracks and wooden buildings or located in the vicinity of forests. It hibernates in under-
colonies ground cavities as well as in tree hollows. It hunts near the shelter areas, usually not far-
ther than 1 km, often catching the prey in the tree foliage, at 2-7 m above the ground. It
does not migrate.

NOTES11

11
. For practical reasons the focus should be on the identification of the critical concentration areas and not on the identification of the species. The same approach is valid for amphibian species as well.

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Apart from the above mentioned bat species that are characteristic for forest habitats and which form seasonal concentrations for breeding or hibernation, other species be-
longing to the Microchiroptera suborder (all the species in Romania are included into the Annex 4A of the Government Emergency Ordinance (O.U.G.) 57/2007) can also form
seasonal concentrations in forests where they hibernate exclusively or preponderantly in caves, many of which are found in forested mountain areas.
Both during the breeding and the hibernation periods, the bat colonies are very sensitive to human impact. In most cases, the main threat to these species is the destruction of
their shelters or disturbances occurring during the two critical seasons in the existence of the colonies.
Amphibians
Name of the species Critical Seasonal Biotope /ecology
Use
Salamandra salamandra (Salamandra) Wetland areas Some of the amphibian species live a terrestrial life, but all the species in Romania de-
Mesotriton (Triturus) alpestris (Alpine newt) used for breeding pend on the water environment for reproduction and breeding (swamps, lakes, moors,
Lissotriton (Triturus) montandoni (Carpathian newt) ponds etc.).
Triturus cristatus (Great crested newt) During the reproduction period, in early spring, the amphibian species migrate to such
Triturus dobrogicus (Danube crested newt) wetlands. They lay their eggs in water, where they start their life in a larvae stage, which
Lissotriton (Triturus) vulgaris (Smooth newt) can last from several weeks to one year, depending on the species and environmental fac-
Bombina bombina (Fire-bellied toad) tors.
Bombina variegata (Yellow-bellied toad) In this context, all the permanent wetlands located within the forests or in their neighbor-
Pelobates fuscus (European common spadefoot) hood in which amphibian species have been identified are important for the reproduction,
Bufo bufo (Common toad) as well as for the species feeding, hibernation and dispersion.
Pseudepidalea (Bufo) viridis (European green toad)
Hyla arborea (European tree frog)
Rana arvalis (Moor frog)
Rana dalmatina (Agile frog)
Rana temporaria (Common frog)

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HCVF 2. EXTENDED FOREST LANDSCAPES GLOBALLY, REGIONALLY OR NATIONALLY SIGNIFICANT, WITH VIABLE POPULATIONS OF NATIVE SPECIES IN THEIR NATU-
RAL FORM IN TERMS OF DISTRIBUTION AND DENSITY.
Definition

Extended forest landscapes, significant at a global, regional or national level, which maintain the features (i.e. structures, compositions, processes) of natural ecosystems, in-
cluding viable populations of native species in their natural form in terms of distribution and density.
Threshold12

 Presence of a compact forest landscape (which can include a circle with a diameter of minimum 10 Km and any narrow marginal parts are at least 2 km wide) with an
area of at least 50,000 ha, of which at least 70% ha are forested areas. Out of the total area, at least 10% are primary forests. Out of the total forest area no more than
10% are artificial forests13. The remaining part of the forest area up to 100% can be represented by secondary forests14
 Non-forest habitats represent a maximum of 30% and have a high natural structure: (i) at least 50% are 1- primary scrubs, primary sparse woodlands, and 2 -grass-
lands, screes and rocks and water ecosystems with a favorable conservation status; (ii) there are no permanent human settlements; out of the total areas of non-forest
habitats, no more than 1% can be occupied by courtyards and buildings of temporary use (such as – shepherd camps, buildings for administration, isolated houses,
lodges which are not meant for mass tourism); (iii) there are no lands used for industrial extraction of minerals15;
 The boundaries of the landscape are natural (valleys, ridges) or artificial of permanent use. There should be no permanent human settlements closer than 1 km.
 The presence of all /most species which can naturally occur in this ecosystem type and in which the abundance, distribution and reproductive capacity is similar to nat-
ural patterns.
 Existing constructions and infrastructure does not affect16 connectivity of the species and of the habitats17
Identification and management measures (for guidance purpose only)

12
Thresholds should be considered cumulatively.
13
This category includes: forest habitats of unfavorable conservation status; forest stands containing allien species; forests where, due to human interventions, (i) less than 50% of the main tree species are of seed origin (the rest being of sprout origin or from plantations), or
(ii) less than 70% of the main tree species are of seed origin when stand includes secondary species or pioneer species; lands affected by erosion as a result of human activities
14
Forests with natural composition (i.e. similar to the the composition of the natural forest type), with a structure modified by human interventions but in a favorable conservation status
15
Quarries for local needs can be accepted;
16
Forestry specific infrastructure (e.g. forestry roads and lodges) are considered to not affect connectivity
17
Including the connectivity of natural water courses not fragmented by hydrologic constructions

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IDENTIFICATION:
 taking into consideration that conditions must be met simultaneously, to identify such landscapes information at large scales is needed. Such information is usually
available at national authorities or institutes/organizations. Therefore, evaluation, identification and designation of HCV 2 will be carried out at national level by involv-
ing authorities and/or organizations along with local interested stakeholders
 For identification of HCV2 at national level, the following sources of information are recommended: results of the studies produced for identification of virgin forests to
be included in the National Catalogue from Romania; list of protected areas in Romania and the management plans of the protected areas; map of virgin forests18
(project PIN-MATRA/2001/018 – „Inventory and strategy for sustainable management and protection of virgin forests in Romania”); www.intactforests.org - "Intact For-
est Landscape" declared by Green Peace (if it still meets the initial designation criteria); legal documents for the designation of the nature reserves and monuments;
Forest management plans; results of research studies; information from game management areas.
 The organization will verify (in order to confirm) whether the management unit overlaps with such HCV 2 areas.

MANAGEMENT MEASURES:
The purpose is not to create natural patterns presumed to have existed before, with or without human intervention. The management of these landscapes does not suppose
the total restriction of human interventions. It only imposes additional precautionary measures intended to maintain the specific values for the entire forest landscape forest
landscape.
Among general recommendations we can mention:
The change of the land use category (both for forests and for grazing lands, wetlands, etc.) are allowed only in exceptional cases (e.g. imposed by ecological, administrative or
social reasons) and only when they do not affect the specific values identified;
No constructions and infrastructure works that might generate the fragmentation of the habitats;
In primary forests, silvicultural interventions shall be restricted (according to functional type T I).
In secondary forests it is recommended to carry out interventions which are appropriate for the preservation of the natural features of the forest and which provide for, first of all
(1) promoting of the natural forest types and (2) maintaining the population integrity of the species which are significant for the preservation of the ecosystem natural status; the
forestry works shall be in accordance with the functional types TI, TII, TIII and TIV depending on the actual conditions. Timber extraction (i.e. joining of the extraction sites) shall
aim at maintaining a most diverse mosaic structure at the landscape level.
In time, in the artificial forests, operations shall be carried out to bring them back to the natural type of forest. Afterwards, these forests shall be managed as secondary forests
(see above).
Primary sparse woodlands and scrubs will be strictly protected. For other non-forest habitats, activities which maintain or restore their favorable status are allowed. Intensive
agriculture is not recommended. Traditional grazing can be carried out if legal provisions (regarding periods, number of animals per unit area, type of animals) are respected.
Development of infrastructure for mass tourism which can affect abundance and distribution of species is not recommended.

HCVF 3. FOREST AREAS THAT ARE IN OR CONTAIN RARE, THREATENED AND ENDANGERED ECOSYSTEMS
Definition

18
It is a very useful study in the stage of preliminary assessment. Further on, checks should be conducted on whether the criteria and indicators are met according to Annex 3.

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Forest areas within or with rare, threatened and endangered ecosystems (i.e. they are either located in rare, threatened and endangered ecosystems or include rare, threat-
ened and endangered ecosystems).
Categories and subcategories (detailed in Table 4)
A. FORESTS, SPARSE WOODLANDS, SCRUBS AND ECOSYSTEMS OF WOODY VEGETATION WITH OTHER TYPES OF VEGETATION
A.1. Complex ecosystems of sparse forests, scrubs and oligotrophic and eutrophic swamps;
A.2. Complex ecosystems of sparse forests and scrubs from the sub-alpine level;
A.3. Complex ecosystems of forests, sparse woodlands and scrubs from the forest steppe and steppe, with a natural composition at least of the tree stand, including the areas
with steppe herbaceous vegetation inside them;
A.4 Complex ecosystems with forests, sparse woodlands, scrubs and herbaceous vegetation on continental or marine sands.

B. RARE, RELICT, THREATENED OR ENDANGERED FORESTS AND SCRUBS


B.1. Rare forests and scrubs (usually endangered);
B.2. Relict (and rare or endangered) forest ecosystems;
B.3. Endangered forests and scrubs.

C. NATURAL FOREST ECOSYSTEMS WITH HIGHLY COMPLEX COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE


D. PRIMARY FOREST ECOSYSTEMS
Threshold

Categories A, B and C: Presence of an ecosystem included in these categories, with a favorable conservation status19 and a compact area (stand or group of forest stands) of
at least 10 ha.
Category D: Presence of an ecosystem included in this category on a compact forest area of at least 30 ha, or 10 ha for rare, endangered and threatened ecosystems 20 (this
condition can be met either by one single subcompartment, or by several such subcompartments which are grouped, forming a compact forest stand).
Identification and management measures (for guidance purpose only)

IDENTIFICATION:
To be carried out according to Table 4 and the recommendations on the preliminary and full assessment of this category.
For Category D the identification shall be carried out according to Table 3 .
Other sources
Forest management plans.
The legal documents for the designation of the nature reserves and nature monuments.
The management plans of the protected areas .
Map of virgin forests (project PIN-MATRA/2001/018 – “Inventory and strategy for sustainable management and protection of virgin forests in Romania”).
Scientific studies on the vegetation in the area.

19
In order to assess the favourable conservation status, the methodology proposed by Candrea B., Lazăr G., Tudoran G., Stăncioiu T., 2009 - Forest habitats of community importance in project LIFE05 NAT/RO/000176: " Priority forest, sub-alpine and alpine habitats in
Romania. Monitoring of the conservation status ", Printing House: University "Transilvania" of Brasov, Brasov; could prove useful;
20
This limit is stipulated in Order no. 3397 of 10 09 2012

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MANAGEMENT MEASURES:
Category A
Subcategory A1
In marshes and bogs no intervention shall be carried out (according to functional type I). In their adjacent areas, if the land is saturated with water, (i.e. where the land around
these ecosystems is flat), the interventions shall be limited to conservation operations (according to functional type II), in order to preserve the hydrologic balance and ensure
the perpetuation of the marsh/bog ecosystems.
Subcategory A2
Any intervention shall be avoided (i.e. tree or scrub cutting shall be forbidden). Only in special cases (such as natural or anthropogenic disasters), operations can be carried out
for restoring the habitats (e.g. plantations in groups of Pinus cembra, Picea abies, Larix decidua and Pinus mugo; seedlings obtained from local reproductive material and pro-
duced, if possible, in nurseries installed at these high elevations).
Subcategory A3
Steppe herbaceous areas shall be protected (i.e. they shall not be artificially afforested, interventions shall be carried out to remove woody vegetation naturally grown in such
areas). No tree extraction shall be carried out. Where mature trees are drying and there is no regeneration special operations shall be carried out to restore the ecosystem
(planting, direct seeding etc.).
Subcategory A4
No intervention shall be carried out (according to functional type I).
Category B
Subcategories B1 and B2
Measures similar to subcategory A2.
Subcategory B3
For ecosystems B3.1-B3.8 only tending operations and conservation works (according to functional type II) needed for maintaining / restoring the favorable conservation status
of the ecosystems are allowed (commercial purpose harvesting is not recommended).

Category C
For each ecosystem type, the management measures proposed for the category in which it is included shall be implemented (i.e. each of the ecosystems included in this cate-
gory is present in one of the other categories described) and special attention shall be given to maintaining the compositional and structural complexity.
Category D
No interventions are allowed (according to functional type TI).

Table 3 Criteria and indicators for selecting the primary forest ecosystems in Romania21

21
Corellated with provisions of Ministry orders 3397 /2012 and 1417 /2016

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P1 Criterion Naturalness
P2
Indicators Criterion Area & Delineation Observations
Indicators
P1.1 Plant species forming the plant community /phytocoenosis are native to the site- specific en- Observations
Natural composition and distribution (and range) of the
P2.1 vironmental
The area of primary
conditions
forests
(according
with minor
to the
anthropogenic
natural forestinfluence
type) (without those fragments species.
which do not meet the selection criteria) is larger than 30ha and is compact.
P1.2 If
Noparts of subcompartments,
tending with artificialhave
or regeneration interventions limits, are carried
been included,outthe shortest
in tree distance
stands. be-
Anthro- Lack of silvicultural interventions (i.e. regeneration
tween
pogenic two opposed boundary
interventions of minorpoints (outwhich
influence of which
hadatnoleast one is on
significant the artificial
impact boundary)
on the ecosystem fellings).
is of at least
structure 200 m, tocan
& dynamics ensure the forest
however ecosystem self regulation and perpetuation. This
be accepted. Interventions of non significant anthropogenic influence
rule does not apply to entire subcompartments and to rare and high conservation interest are:
ecosystems if they are adjacent to natural forests (this rule applies only when and where the  absolutely isolated tree extraction (e.g. sanitary, ac-
area has artificial limits). cidental, conservation felling or illegal logging) rep-
P2.2 The forest has, as much as possible, natural boundaries (ridges, valleys, creeks, forest resenting
It is not obligatorylessfor
than
the5natural
% of the standing timber
boundaries vol-
to coincide
edges) to provide more stability against external abiotic factors. To ensure the stability pro- with ume per forest
the forestry subcompartment
boundaries. Ridges, (the estimation
valleys, secondarywill
vided by the natural boundaries some areas which do not meet the naturalness criteria A.1. takeare
streams intoaccepted.
account the records over the last 30
can be included. years).
Artificial limits may also be accepted, such as:
 occasional passing
permanent roads; through the forest stands of
 livestock
corridors flocks and
for high herdslines
voltage on routes to and
or other from
utilities;
 grazingbreaks;
forest lands;
 occasional
railroads harvesting of other forest products
etc.
Areas(mushrooms,
that do not meetberries);
the A.1. naturalness criteria shall
 exceed
not educational15 - 30and
%hunting trails;
of the total compact forest area.
 marking of the forest subcompartment boundaries;

The assessment shall be carried out at the level of com-


pact forest, parts of forest subcompartments can also
be considered, on a case by case basis (with the pro-
posal of designation as separate subcompartments in
the future)
P1.3 Ecosystems with complex structures in various development stages (some stages might be Uneven aged and relatively uneven aged stand struc-
present on small areas only) forming a horizontal mosaic and with a stratified vertical struc- tures.
ture
P1.4 Occurrence of trees having reached physiological limit under the given environmental condi- In general they will have exceptional sizes in compari-
tions. son with the site quality and will show signs of physio-
logical decline.
P1.5 Occurrence of standing and fallen deadwood in all decay stages and across the entire forest The amount of dead wood should be assessed taking
area. into account the ecosystem structure and the site condi-
tions.

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Forest Stewardship Council®

Table 4 Rare, Threatened or Endangered Ecosystems


Groups of forest types
Categories and subcategories of forests and complex ecosystems Forest types Habitat codes acc. to UE 27
(name)
A. FORESTS, SPARSE WOODLANDS, SCRUBS AND ECOSYSTEMS OF WOODY VEGETATION WITH OTHER TYPES OF VEGETATION
A.1. Complex ecosystems of sparse forests, scrubs and oligotrophic and eutrophic swamps
A1.1. Complex ecosystems with forests, bog woodlands of Pinus sylvestris and active bogs (C) 314 3141 91D0* and 7110*
A1.2. Complex ecosystems with forests, bog woodlands of Picea abies and active bogs (C) 117 1172, 1173 91D0* and 7110*
A1.3. Complex ecosystems with forests, bog woodlands of Picea abies, Betula pubescens - - 91D0* and 7110*
and/or B. nana and active bogs (C)
A1.4. Complex ecosystems with forests, sparse woodlands and eutrophic swamps - - -
A.2. Complex ecosystems of sparse forests and scrubs from the sub-alpine level
A2.1. Complex ecosystems with sparse forests of Picea abies and/or Pinus cembra and scrubs 161 1611 9420 and 4070*
of Pinus mugo
A2.2. Complex ecosystems with sparse forests of Larix decidua ssp. carpatica (local Picea - - 9420 and 4070*
abies) and scrubs of Pinus mugo
A2.3. Complex ecosystems with scrubs of Pinus mugo (and/or Rhododendron myrtifolium, Ju- - - 4070*
niperus communis ssp. alpina)
A.3. Complex ecosystems of forests, sparse woodlands and scrubs from the forest steppe and steppe, with a natural composition at least of the tree stand, including the areas
with steppe herbaceous vegetation inside them
A3.1. Complex ecosystems with forests and sparse woodlands of Quercus pedunculiflora with 811 8111, 8112, 8114, 91I0*
Acer tataricum with steppe areas (C) 8115, 8116
A3.2. Complex ecosystems with forests and sparse woodlands of Quercus pubescens (local Q. 822 8221,8223,8224 91AA
pedunculiflora) and steppe areas (C)
A3.3. Complex ecosystems with forests and sparse woodlands of Quercus robur with Prunus 616 6161 91I0*
avium and steppe areas (C)
A3.4. Complex ecosystems with sparse woodlands of Quercus pubescens with steppe areas 821 8213 91AA
(with Stipa danubialis) in the Danube Gorges (C)
A3.5. Forests of Quercus pubescens (and/or Q. petraea) with Carpinus orientalis, Fraxinus or- 821 8211 91AA
nus in the south of Banat region
A.4 Complex ecosystems with forests, sparse woodlands, scrubs and herbaceous vegetation on continental or marine sands
A4.1. Complex ecosystems with forests and sparse woodlands of Quercus pedunculiflora, Q. 634 6341, 6342, 6343, 91F0
robur, Fraxinus pallisae, F. angustifolia, Periploca graeca and grasess on Letea and Caraorman 6344, 6345
levees (C)
A4.2. Forests and sparse woodlands of Populus canescens (and/or P. tremula) and grasess on - - -
Letea and Caraorman levees
A4.3. Complex ecosystems with scrubs of Tamarix ramosissima and grasess in the Danube - - 92D0
Delta

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Forest Stewardship Council®

A4.4. Complex ecosystems with scrubs of Hippophäe rhamnoides and grasess in the Danube - - 2160
Delta
A4.5. Complex ecosystems with scrubs of Salix rosmarinifolia and grasess in the Danube Delta - - 2190
A4.6. Complex ecosystems with forests and sparse woodlands of Betula pendula and sandy - - -
vegetation on the sands from Tara Barsei region
B. RARE, RELICT, THREATENED OR ENDANGERED FORESTS AND SCRUBS
B.1. Rare forests and scrubs (usually endangered)
B1.1. Forests of Fagus sylvatica with Geranium macrorrhizum in Banat region - - 91K0
B1.2. Forests of Fagus sylvatica with Carpinus orientalis and Euonymus latifolius in Banat region - - 91K0
(C)
B1.3. Scrubs of Spiraea crenata - - 40C0*
B.2. Relict (and rare or endangered) forest ecosystems
B2.1. Forests of Larix decidua ssp. carpatica. of high altitude in massifs: Ceahlau, Ciucas, 341, 342 3411, 3421 9420
Bucegi and Capatanii
B2.2. Forests of Larix decidua subsp. carpatica of low altitude on calcareous screes at Vidolm - - -
(Valea Ariesului)
B2.3. Forests of Fagus sylvatica, F. taurica and Doronicum orientale in the north of Dobrogea re- 421 4211 91X0*
gion
B2.4. Forests and low-density forests of Pinus nigra subsp. banatica in Banat and Oltenia re- 321, 331 3211, 3212, 3311 9530*
gions
B2.5. Forests with Corylus colurna in Banat and Oltenia regions 021 0212 40A0*
B2.6. Forests and sparse woodlands of Quercus pubescens with Paeonia peregrina. 711 7112 91AA
B2.7. Forests of Quercus petraea with Carex humilis in Tara Barsei region 513 5132 -
B2.8. Forests and sparse woodlands of Quercus pubescens with Carex humilis in Transilvania 821 8211 91H0*
region
B2.9. Forests and sparse woodlands of Pinus sylvestris with Vaccinium myrtillus and/or Calluna 312 3121 91Q0
vulgaris
B2.10. Forests of Pinus sylvestris and Sesleria rigida on limestone 313 3133 91Q0
B2.11. Forests of Pinus sylvestris with Daphne blagayana 313 3131
B2.12. Forests of Quercus petraea, Q. frainetto, Q. pedunculiflora and Q. pubescens in Dobro- 842 8423 91AA
gea region (C)
B2.13. Mixed deciduous forests with Quercus robur (local Q. petraea), Tilia tometosa, Carpinus 622 6223 91Z0
betulus, Fraxinus angustifolia and Ruscus aculeatus at Comana (C)
B2.14. Forests of Quercus petraea, Q. robur, with Carpinus orientalis in the north of Moldova re- 516 5161 91I0*
gion.
B2.15. Forests and low-density forests of Juglans regia in Oltenia and Banat regions - - -
B2.16. Forests of Quercus frainetto on limestone in the north of Dobrogea region 722 7225 91AA

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Forest Stewardship Council®

B2.17. Forests of Quercus frainetto in the south of Moldova region 722 7222 91Y0
B2.18. Scrubs of Syringa josikaea in Transilvania region - - 40A0*
B2.19. Scrubs of Syringa vulgaris in Oltenia region - - -
B.3. Endangered forests and scrubs
B3.1. Marsh forests of Alnus glutinosa with sedges (including the forests from Letea and Caraor- 971 9713 91E0*
man levees)
B3.2. Gallery forests of Alnus glutinosa along rivers in the hill area 972, 991 9721, 9722, 9911 91E0*
B3.3. Forests of Alnus incana along mountain creeks 981, 982, 9811, 9821, 9831 91E0*
983
B3.4. Forests of Fraxinus angustifolia and F. pallisae in the flood plains 043 0431,0432 91F0
B3.5. Forests – galleries of Populus nigra along rivers in the hill area 921 9211 92A0
B3.6. Forests of Populus nigra and Ulmus effusa in the Danube floodplain 921 9212, 9213, 9214 92A0
B3.7. Forests of Salix alba, Salix fragilis (sometimes with Populus alba) with Leucojum aestivum 951, 961 9511, 9517, 9611, 9613 92A0
B3.8. Forests of Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus and Ulmus glabra with Lunaria redi- 031 0311 9180*
viva in narrow, wet mountain valleys (C)
C. NATURAL FOREST ECOSYSTEMS WITH HIGHLY COMPLEX COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE
All the ecosystems within the previous categories marked with „(C)” are included here
D. PRIMARY FOREST ECOSYSTEMS
Primary forests, sparse woodlands and scrubs (according to the criteria from Table 3) Not appli- Not applicable Not applicable
cable

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Forest Stewardship Council®

HCVF 4. FOREST AREAS THAT PROVIDE BASIC SERVICES OF NATURE IN CRITICAL SITUATIONS
HCVF4.1- Forests of special importance for water sources.
Definition
The following forests within the management unit are designated HCVF 4.1:
a. forests located in the protection zones of water springs, mineral springs used as drinking water sources for local communities, and forests from slopes of reservoirs and nat-
ural lakes that represent drinking water sources for local communities.
b. forests located in watersheds with torrential events and with excessive transport of sediments
c. riparian forests which protect riverbanks and reduce the impact of floods;
Threshold
Category a – Forests located near water resources, with protective role for the drinking water sources for local communities, where there are no feasible or immediate alterna-
tives available.
Category b – The presence of forests in watersheds with torrential events and with excessive transport of sediments which are close to human settlements or to investments
essential for the community.
Category c - Forests located along water streams, in the main river bed or in the dam-bank areas, in those perimeters where they play an essential role in the flood prevention
and flood impact control.
Identification and management measures (for guidance purpose only)
IDENTIFICATION:
 Forest management plans and maps (HCVF 4.1.a – functional categories 1.1.a and 1.1.b; HCVF 4.1.b – functional category 1.1.g; HCVF 4.1.c – functional categories
1.1.e and 1.1.f);
 Hydrographic maps and information related to possible particularities of the water regime;
 Hydrotechnical, hydrological studies, watershed management and water capture studies;
 Official sources on records of disasters resulted from floods (e.g. institutions, local administrations etc.)
MANAGEMENT MEASURES:
In order to determine the management measures, the functional types related to the functional categories set for each forest category containing HCV 4.1 shall be taken into
account.

HCVF 4.2- Forests which are critical for erosion prevention and control
Definition
The forests from the management unit are designated as HCVF 4.2 which are extremely vulnerable to erosion, avalanches, land slide or sedimentation, in case soil re-
sources, local community health and way of life, important infrastructure or other HCVs may be fundamentally affected.
Threshold22
I. Conditions:

22
Thresholds I and II must be considered cumulatively.

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Forest Stewardship Council®

a. forests located on rocks, screes, on land with obvious erosion and land with steep slopes (≥35° on any type of geological substrate, ≥30° on flisch and ≥25° on sands and
gravels).
b. forest vegetation around the avalanche corridors and the land covered with dwarf pines in their vicinity.
c. forests located on dry quicksand or sliding land.
d. forest plantations on degraded land.
II. Cases:
There is a threat with serious effects on the local community health and wellbeing, on the soil resources, on other HCV categories or with regard to the operation of important
infrastructure (transport network, dams, buildings, etc.).
Identification and management measures (for guidance purpose only)
IDENTIFICATION:
 Forest management plans and maps (HCVF 4.2.a – functional category 1.2.a; HCVF 4.2.b – functional category 1.2.f; HCVF 4.2.c – functional categories 1.2.g and
1.2.h; HCVF 4.2.d – functional category 1.2.e);
 Geological and pedological maps with information related to the presence of quick sands, erosion phenomena, landslides, avalanches.

MANAGEMENT MEASURES:
In order In order to determine the management measures, the functional types related to the functional categories set for each forest category containing HCV 4.2 shall be
taken into account.

HCVF 4.3- Forests with critical impact on agricultural land and air quality
Definition
The following forests from the management unit are designated HCVF 4.3:
a. forest belts around agricultural land in areas with harsh environments for agriculture
b. forests providing protection against air or soil pollution.
Threshold
Category a– presence of forests in areas with weather having adverse effects on agriculture (high winds, drought, dry quicksand).
Category b– presence of such forests in areas with air and/or soil pollution (e.g. polluting industrial centers, mine waste, ash deposits, other debris) in the vicinity of localities.
Identification and management measures (for guidance purpose only)

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Forest Stewardship Council®

IDENTIFICATION:
 Forest management plans and maps (HCVF 4.3.a – functional category 1.3.e; HCVF 4.3.b – functional categories 1.3.h, 1.3.i and 1.3.j);
 Climatic maps and studies with information on the occurrence of phenomena with adverse effects on the agricultural production in the area (high winds, drought, dry
quicksand etc.);
 Maps and studies on the air and/or soil pollution in the area;
 Consultations with the communities where no other written information is available.

MANAGEMENT MEASURES:
In order In order to determine the management measures, the functional types related to the functional categories set for each forest category containing HCV 4.3 shall be
taken into account.

HCVF 5. FORESTS AREAS FUNDAMENTAL TO MEETING BASIC NEEDS OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Definition
Forests which ensure the basic needs of the local communities:
a. energy for house heating and cooking;
b. building material for houses and households;
c. raw material for products that provide the income necessary for living.

Threshold
The HCVF5 is designated when for the above mentioned resources there are no alternatives (is no possibility to procure such resources from other places).

Identification and management measures (for guidance purpose only)


IDENTIFICATION:
- consultation of local forest owners and of the forest manager in the area, and of the documents they hold (Forest management plans, forest maps, records of timber supplied
to the local population, etc.);
- consultation of local authorities(town/village hall);
- consultation of local communities;
- sociological and statistic studies for the area of interest.

MANAGEMENT MEASURES:
The management measures shall address the maintenance /enhancement of the forest condition in order to provide the resources which are fundamental to meeting the basic
needs of local communities. Specific conservation measures shall be set on a case by case basis, depending on the resources and basic needs identified through the engage-

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Forest Stewardship Council®

ment with the local community members. In general, such measures include: allocation of a percentage of timber (established in the forest management plans) to meet the ba-
sic needs of the local communities. Examples of measures could be: allocating part of the allowable annual cut to the local communities needs. Where possible, to establish
some auxiliary production units with short rotations and timber-products appropriate for the local needs (firewood, wood for rural buildings).

HCVF 6. FOREST AREAS CRITICAL TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES’ TRADITIONAL CULTURAL IDENTITY


General definition of the category
Forests critical for the preservation of the cultural identity of a community or an area. Such forests are:
a. forests related to local customs and celebrations which are traditionally carried out in the forest area;
b. symbol forests mentioned in literature or legends23;
c. forests neighboring historical monuments or religious communities declared historical and/or cultural monuments;
d. forests included in landscapes with ecological and spiritual values recognized as significant at regional, national or international levels.
Threshold
a. there are celebrations and customs of historic importance performed within the area of the forest under assessment, events which are essential for the local cultural identity.
b. the forest under assessment has a real (local or national) cultural value (identified through legal documents or literary works), transmitted through legends or literature.
c. there are historic monuments or cult and pilgrimage sites within the area of the forest under the evaluation or in its close vicinity.
d. area is included in nature reserves designated for landscape aesthetics or in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Identification and management measures (for guidance purpose only)
IDENTIFICATION:
- consultation of local communities;
- consultation of the existing sources: ethnographic monographs, publications that include legends, tales, myths and popular beliefs about the areas under assessment,
the protected areas list and documents related to the designation of the protected areas in the area;
- forest management plans and forest maps (functional categories addressing forests around the culture monuments – 1.4.e, in landscape reserves – 1.5.e);
- information from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage and its territorial units, etc.
- consultation of relevant experts (i.e. ethnographers, sociologists, historians).

MANAGEMENT MEASURES:
The management measures shall address the maintenance /enhancement of the forest structure in order to ensure the conservation of the values which are critical for the
preservation of the community cultural identity. Specific conservation measures shall be set on a case by case basis, depending on the current forest structure and of the con-
servation needs identified through the engagement with the local community members or with the competent authorities. Generally, such measures include: designation of dis-
tinct subcompartments of the forests identified as HCVF6 (if this is not already accomplished) during next management planning session, use of the precautionary principle
through carrying intensive treatments, conservation works or, if needed, total restriction of fellings.

23
For example, the natural reserves “Codrii de aramă/the Copper Woods” and “Pădurea de argint/ the Silver Forest” in Neamt county can be deemed HVC 6 (i.e. related to the cultural identity of the Romanian people), as they are mentioned in the literary work of the poet Mi -
hai Eminescu.

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Forest Stewardship Council®

Annex E: Elements of the Management Plan.


1) Result of the assessments, including:

i. Natural resources and environmental values:


a) There is a description of the territorial administrative status of the management
unit
b) There is a physical description of the management area (topography, soil, geol-
ogy, hydrology, climate)
c) There is a description of:
 the type of forest site conditions
 the type of forests
d) Functions attributed to forest
e) Health status of the forest
f) Structure of the production and protection forestland
g) Procedures for identification of rare or threatened species and habitats poten-
tially present within the management unit.
h) Description of rare species and habitats identified together with conservation
measures.
i) Description of HCVs identified and areas occupied by them
j) There are maps showing:
 The location of the management unit, neighborhoods, limits, borders, the land
use
 Timber resource
 Conservation areas within the management unit, including those excepted
from fellings
 Location of rare and threatened species within the management unit
 Location of areas where HCVs were identified

ii. Resources and social, economic and cultural conditions;


A social-economic assessment of the environment in which the management unit operates.
The assessment includes:
a) an overview of the local social-economic context.
b) an analysis of the main interested and affected stakeholders affected by the forest
management, including:
- the way the forest management impacts them
- the way they impact forest management
c) ways for collaboration with interested / affected stakeholders: communication, con-
sultation or engagement.

iii. Major social and environmental risks in the area


a) Analysis of the major social and environmental aspects which can be affected by
the activities carried out in the management unit
b) Assessment of major environmental risks for the area, risks which are not under the
direct control of the forest manager (fires, wind/snow breakage, wind/snow throw,
landslides, floods, other site-specific risks)
c) Assessment of the risks for the HCVs
d) Measures for prevention and restoration of the negative social and environmental
impact of forest management.

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e) Social and environmental monitoring systems.


iv. Maintenance and / or improvement of the ecosystem services used for promotional pur-
poses (as identified under Criterion 5.1).

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Forest Stewardship Council®

2) Programmes and activities related to:


i. Workers’ rights, occupational health and safety, gender equality:
 Policy, strategy and engagement of the organization related to the human re-
source
 Training programs and evaluation of workers performance programs
 Occupational health and safety programs, including risk assessment, occupa-
tional health and safety norms, protection equipments and measures, trainings
 Resolution process for disputes, grievances or complaints
ii. Establishment of socio-economic goals and management planning objectives;
 Silvicultural regime
 Target stand composition
 Silvicultural treatment
 Exploitability (age for reaching regeneration cutting phase)
 Rotation, planning period
iii. Management activities and implementation deadlines, silvicultural systems used, harvest-
ing methods and specific equipment;
 Setup of regeneration cuttings
 Measures for stands with special protection functions
 Tending operations
 Reforestation works and improving conditions for natural regeneration
 Restoration of low productive stands
 Transport infrastructure, harvesting technologies, forest constructions

iv. Allowable cut / harvesting level including a description of how they were determined.
The management plan includes:
 the allowable cut for commercial tree species, with a description of how it was
determined
 the game harvesting quota for the hunting grounds under the control of the
management unit, with a description of how it was determined
 methods for the assessment of the harvesting level for Non -Timber Forest
Products harvested for commercial purpose, including:
o methods for gathering information on the production (e.g. production fore-
cast)
o references to the harvesting records for such products, including the
amounts approved by the regulatory bodies
o references to the production potential identified in the studies/ references
existing about the area
3) Measures for the conservation / restoration of:
i. Rare and threatened species and habitats;
ii. Water courses and riparian zones;
iii. Landscape connectivity, including wildlife corridors;
iv. Declared ecosystem services, identified in Criterion 5.1;
v. Protected areas and other conservation areas;
vi. High Conservation Values

4) Measures for the assessment, prevention and mitigation of the negative effects of
the management activities:

i. Measures for the assessment, prevention and mitigation of the negative socio-eco-
nomic effects of the forest management activities;

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Forest Stewardship Council®

ii. Measures for the assessment, prevention and mitigation of the negative socio-eco-
nomic effects of factors not under control of forest managers.
5) The monitoring program (see Principle 8) for:
i. growth and production of commercial tree species;
ii. production of other commercial forest products;
iii. declared ecosystem services, identified in Criterion 5.1;
iv. the environmental values:
o soil
o water
o flora and fauna species
o protected species and habitats
o HCVs;
v. the impact of the operations, including:
o Regeneration
o Tending operations
o Timber harvesting
o Building / maintenance of forestry roads
o Chemical treatments
vi. the engagement of the stakeholders(see principle 2, Principle 5 and Principle 7)
vii. the evidence on implementation of the forest management plan, according to the leg-
islation

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Forest Stewardship Council®

Annex F List of publicly available information

General Content

Public summary of the management and monitoring plan:


1 I. General Information
2 - Headquarters address and work stations (if any)
3 - Type of administration (i.e. forest administration / forest district, forest management
unit)
4 - Validity of the Forest Management Plan (from …. to…)
5 - Total area under management, distributed on landforms
6 - Total area of forest land, distributed on production units as appropriate
7 - Distribution of the area and of the contracted activities (administration, guarding,
etc.) per owners
8 - Geographic factors and influences on the forest:
0 o Hydrology
1 o Climate (air temperature regime, rainfall regime, wind regime, synthetic indicators of
climate data)
9 - Vegetation gradient; distribution by phytoclimatic layers
10 - Record of natural forest types (ha, %)
11 - Forest formations and actual status of the forest type
12 - Age structure (per classes); average age
13 - Average production class
14 - Average crown closure
15 - The regeneration origin of the stand
16 - Stand vitality
17 - Average volume per hectare
18 - Index of current growth
19 - Forest Management objectives (Silvicultural regime; silvicultural treatments;
exploitability – allowable cut from regeneration cuttings and from tending operations; transport
installation network – km and density)
20 - Area of High Conservation Value Forests – by categories
21 - Condition of the High Conservation Value Forests – by categories (monitoring
results)

1 II. INFORMATION ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CURRENT FOREST


MANAGEMENT PLAN – SUMMARY (last two years)
2 - Harvested volume
3 - Allowable cut according to the forest management plan

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Forest Stewardship Council®

4 - Recalculated allowable cut


5 - Area of clearcuts
6 - Artificially and naturally regenerated areas, species
7 - Illegal activities
8 - Non-timber forest products sold
9 - Condition of the High Conservation Value Forests
10
11 III. INFORMATION ON THE OPERATIONS PLANNED FOR THE CURRENT YEAR
(SUMMARY)
12 - forest regeneration (ha ); operations to help natural regeneration; weeding
13 - tending operations
14 - timber volume to be harvested
15 - special conservation operations
1 - non-timber forest products (planned for harvesting)
2 - new forest roads
3 - treatments with chemicals
NOTE: All information not included in Annex F is available at request, unless it is confidential
under the legislation in force

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Forest Stewardship Council®

Annex G Dispute resolution process

Basic Principles:

1. Disputes should be first settled through discussions and negotiations between the parties
involved. Official notice shall only be used as a last resort.

2. Disputes shall first be discussed at the management unit level (forest district / directorate)
before the complainant appeals to higher levels.

Situations:

1. Any objections related to FSC Standards, to the activity of FSC International, the FSC Na-
tional Offices, as well as the Accreditation Service International (ASI) activity shall be
filed according to the following procedure: FSC-PRO-01-008

2. The objections related to the activity of the organizations associated with FSC with regard
to the Policy for the Association of Organizations with FSC (FSC-POL-01-004) shall
be filed according to the following procedure: FSC-PRO-01-009

3. The objections related to the way in which a certain certified forest unit / directorate carries
out its activity in relation to the FSC standard requirements shall be submitted to the
certification body and shall be settled according to each certification body’s own pro-
cedure for notifications and complaints.

4. The objections relating to the activity of any FSC accredited certification body shall be ana-
lyzed by Accreditation Service International (ASI) according to the following proce-
dure: ASI-PRO-20-104

ATTENTION! Before addressing ASI, the objections should be discussed in compliance with
the procedure for the settlement of complaints which is specific for the relevant certification
body.

Steps in the settlement of disputes

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Forest Stewardship Council®

Dispute Resolution Map Annex 2 in Procedure FSC-PRO-01-005 (V 3-0) EN Acronyms: CH - Certificate Holder;
CB – Certification Body; ASI -Accreditation Services International)

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Forest Stewardship Council®

Model for

Procedure for submitting notifications or complaints related to FSC (Forest Steward-


®
ship Council ) Forest Management to the certification body

Complaints of any nature on the FSC (logo included) Forest Management Standard shall be
®

addressed to the FSC forest management responsible person.


®

The notifications or the complaints can be transmitted:


- By fax at fax number: ..............
- By e-mail at e-mail address: ..................
- By mail to the post address: ........................
- By handing in the written complaint directly to the forest unit/ directorate headquarters
Regardless of the mean used, all received complaints will be recorded in the Register of
Complaints
The complaint must include:
- Name and surname of the complainant
- The organization on behalf of which the complainant acts (if the case is)
- Contact details (fax, e-mail and possibly the address) for receiving the resolution.
- Reference to the FSC Standard provisions which make the object of the complaint
®

- Date when the complaint was submitted


When received, the complaint shall be registered at the secretary office of the management
unit and receive a unique number in the Register of Correspondence (e.g. 1 / dd.mm.yyyy).
The complaint shall be checked by the responsible person or by a committee, if the
legislation in force provides for this. The committee is formed of:
- The FSC responsible person within the forest unit /directorate
®

- The responsible person from the department on which the complaint is made.
The complaint can be submitted in no more than 7 calendar days from the identification of the
noncompliance with the FSC forest management certification process. The FSC forest man-
® ®

agement responsible person confirms to the complainant the receipt of the complaint, giving
each complaint a register number. Records of all complaints shall be kept in hard copy in the
file with FSC procedures, registrations and records for at least 5 years.
®

The complaints shall be settled within 30 days. In exceptional cases, the deadline could be 60
days, in which case the Organization has the obligation to notify the complainant and to ex-
plain the reason of the extended period.
The solution to the complaint will be communicated to the complainant in the same way as
the complaint was received (by telephone, e-mail, fax, letter) or by the mutually agreed way.
Any complaint on the implementation of the FSC forest management standard shall be
®

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Forest Stewardship Council®

amiably settled. If such a settlement is not possible, or if the complainant is not satisfied, the
complainant can contact the certification body that issued the certificate. The contact informa-
tion for the certification body are on its internet page. If the complainant is still not satisfied,
the FSC Office in Romania or the FSC International headquarters in Bonn, Germany (contact
® ®

details are available at www.fsc.org) shall be contacted. In case the FSC resolution of the
®

complaint is still not satisfying the complainant, Accreditation Services International


(http://www.accreditation-services.com) can be contacted.

FSC forest management responsible person,


Date,

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Forest Stewardship Council®

Annex H: Wood for biodiversity – dead wood, nest trees, riparian areas, etc.

According to the FSC certification standard (indicator 10.11.3), to conserve environmental


values* after harvesting, sufficient amounts of dead wood should be retained. Such dead
wood, in various stages of decay, is important for biodiversity conservation ensuring a living
environment for diverse forest dwelling species: it offers reproduction habitat (e.g. nests,
dens), hibernation habitats (i.e. offers thermal insulation during winter), refugia and shelter
(e.g. for amphibians during dry periods), feeding habitat. In addition, this deadwood has im-
portant ecological functions (e.g. contributes to soil fertility, improves the water regime, stores
carbon, offers regeneration conditions on harsh sites) and social role (being used by local
communities for heating). While these ecological and social functions are generally met by the
forest management practice in Romania, those specifically related to biodiversity need some
more detailed provisions. Therefore, in this material are presented proposals for identifying
and maintaining dead wood in the context of FSC forest management certification. As not only
literally dead timber is important for biodiversity and also due to the fact that in most cases
within the same tree we find both living and dead timber (i.e. spatial separation of the two cat-
egories is difficult), in the context of this annex, under the general expression „dead wood”
some living trees or living parts of trees will be included as well.

Timber of different sizes and shapes, in various phases of its evolution (including the decay
phase), is important for diverse animal and plant species. Therefore, maintenance of a quan-
tity sufficient to all such species ensures maintenance (or enhancement) of biodiversity in
managed forests. Outside of natural protected areas designated for the conservation of such
species (where specific habitat conditions for them are the main objective of management), to
maintain biodiversity in general, the managers must produce diverse conditions. These condi-
tions should offer chances for existence and perpetuation of viable populations for the major-
ity of plant and animal species, not only to some of them. It is well known that forests are dy-
namic and their structure and composition change through time naturally. As a result, along
the evolution of a forest, diverse development stages occur, stages that are very different in
terms of living conditions offered to plants and animals. For example, the initiation stage (i.e.
immediately after a natural or human produced disturbance), the area has plenty of growing
resources that are available. There is plenty of light and humidity and temperature are greatly
fluctuating (i.e. the range of variation is much larger) compared to a closed canopy stand. The
next stage (competition) which starts once canopy closure is attained and a new stand is es-
tablished, is completely different in terms of availability of growing resources. Dense and
closed canopies impedes light to reach the ground. Such canopies greatly modify air temper-
ature and humidity (i.e. fluctuations are reduced, extreme values are generally smaller). As a
result, the resource is occupied in and above ground. The other development stages (i.e. re-
generation and old-growth), have different structures and therefore offer different living condi-

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Forest Stewardship Council®

tions (they are somewhat intermediate compared to the previous 2 stages described previ-
ously).

Although some people still believe only mature and old forest offer conditions for high biodi-
versity, empirical and scientific evidence has proved that the largest number of species is ac-
tually present in fresh disturbed sites (disturbed by nature or by humans), where the growing
space is suddenly released and becomes (even if for a relatively short period of time) avail-
able for many species. This high diversity is due to the very rich food sources (especially
plants) which determines a high diversity of consumers of various orders. Of course, the con-
ditions of first two development phases, initiation (after a disturbance) and young forest (com-
petition), are not appropriate for some species (adapted to later stages) and therefore, even if
the diversity is high (in terms of number of species) is not complete (in terms of the composi-
tion in species). As a result, each of these development phases are important for mainte-
nance of certain species (i.e. specialist species). In addition, it was proven that for other
species (i.e. generalist species) the presence in the same time of various stages of stand de-
velopment are important. We could then say that, if we aim for obtaining and maintaining the
highest possible diversity of species, we need to ensure that all development phases must be
present in the same time. This would be the optimal solution even in the case of specialist
species, as ensuring permanent presence of certain stand conditions (taking into account that
each part of a forest is dynamic and therefore it will change in time, with or without human in-
terventions) can be done only by having forests (structures) in different stages of develop-
ment. Such a spatial mosaic of different development stages, in time, ensures (even if not in
the same place/spot) permanently and continuously the presence of the development phase
needed by certain species.

According to all those said above, two important ideas must be taken into account when biodi-
versity conservation is sought in managed forests:

1) Each development phase is unique in terms of its features (i.e. is favorable for some
species and unfavorable for others)

2) To ensure simultaneous presence of both types of species (i.e. generalist and specialist
species), and therefore to ensure the highest biodiversity, the permanent presence of all de-
velopment stages is mandatory

As a result, the concept of biodiversity conservation must be tackled at large scales, on hun-
dreds, thousands of hectares or even larger areas. In the actual context of forest manage-
ment in Romania, due to strict rules prescribed by technical norms, the size of areas where
silvicultural works (including harvesting) are carried out (i.e. the areas in a certain develop-
ment phase) is strictly regulated. The rotation length (i.e. the age when the forest can be har-
vested) and the silvicultural regime (the way a forest is managed for development and regen-
eration) are also imposed by the norms, favoring the coexistence of stands with diverse struc-
tures, compositions and ages (from young regenerated stands to old forests). Therefore, the

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Forest Stewardship Council®

existence of a diverse landscape mosaic is ensured. In addition, the tendency to ensure equal
spatial representation of each age class in a management unit (according to the same techni-
cal norms) ensures within the landscape a proportionate participation of different structures
needed by all species (and therefore ensures their perpetuation in time). To complete these
efforts, this annex adds some additional solutions to be applied at local level (i.e. stand level
or even smaller scale), which can help maintaining particular favorable habitats for some
species.

„Dead wood” in the context of this FSC standard includes:

- very old trees with decay processes (i.e. „veteran trees”);

- living trees with nests, cracks, hollows, rot or dead parts, harvesting wounds;

- living, dying or dead trees considered special from the species, form or size point of view

- timber left on site after harvesting, standing or down, in a process of decay and having diam-
eters larger than 24 cm and lengths over 1,3 m (in this class rotten snags are also included).

Practical solutions proposed refer to the above mentioned categories of trees for biodiversity
but also to their spatial arrangement. These solutions include: trees with nests/hollows, dead
or dying trees (standing or fallen on the ground), ageing islands, sacrifice trees, special trees
and buffer areas for water courses. Harvesting debris, small size branches, leaves and litter
would not be considered as „dead wood” for complying with the requirements of this standard.
They are very important but their presence is ensured by actual management and therefore
there is no need for additional requirements here.

Category 1 – Ageing islands

Trees important for biodiversity can be spatially uniform distributed in a stand or grouped.
When is possible, the manager could decide to leave the so-called „ageing islands” (=groups
of trees excepted from harvesting covering areas of 0.1-0.2 ha). Such islands could be left
around trees with nests (especially around nests of large and rare species – eagles, black
storks etc.), in areas with dens or marginal habitats (rocky areas, swamps and bogs, springs,
sparse woodland or scrub areas) or areas where timber extraction is difficult and would pro-
duce high damage (ridges, valley bottoms). As a result, a network of such islands would not
mandatory be uniform distributed across the management unit, the dead wood being located
where it is most needed. In such „islands” active management measures are allowed but they
must maintain and produce dead wood in a proportion higher than 50% while respecting the
conservation requirements imposed by the biodiversity elements they harbor.

Category 2 – Buffer areas for permanent water course protection

Around permanent waters (running waters or water bodies), a buffer area (of approximately 5
m width on each side) must be set to ensure permanent presence of forest vegetation to
avoid siltation and to maintain shade conditions and to offer cover for animals coming to wa-

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Forest Stewardship Council®

ter. In these areas, extraction of timber is allowed (sanitation cuttings, conservation cuttings)
but they should not remove the entire mature canopy at once (especially when final regenera-
tion cuttings are applied to a stand). If possible, for permanent water courses, vegetation with
a height equal to or greater than the width of the water course will be maintained. Dead or dy-
ing standing or fallen trees will not be removed if they do not pose threats (from the point of
view of worker health and safety, safety of hydro-technical works or safety of the water course
itself – e.g. changing or blocking its course, loading it with debris in case of floods).

Category 3 – Trees with nests/hollows

Trees with hollows are usually of low economic value but highly important for other species.
As a result, when they have active nests they will be maintained.

Category 4 – Dead standing or fallen trees

Where maintenance of dead wood in ageing islands or water course buffer areas (these two
options have priority) is not feasible, dead or dying standing or fallen trees will be systemati-
cally maintained during the timber harvesting process. A number of 1-3 such trees per hectare
will be maintained, starting with first commercial thinning. In the process of tree marking for
thinning, softwood species of at least 24 cm DBH or pre-existing trees would be preferred. For
regeneration cuttings, snags and fallen trees, very old trees (at the physiological limit), special
biodiversity trees (with hollows, cracks, nests, fruits or seeds for birds etc.) will be preferred.

Trees which can pose dangers according to the worker health and safety rules will be felled
down during harvesting site preparation works but will not be extracted. They can be further
cut into pieces (including the crown) to ease the extraction of other timber and the regenera-
tion process.

When more than 1-3 such trees per hectare are available, the managers should choose trees
of average size and those with nests/hollows (regardless of their size). The small size dead
wood maintenance would be ensured by leaving on site the branches and other woody debris
on piles or scattered through the stand (depending on the cutting type and legal require-
ments) and by maintaining the stumps (which offer important habitat for many invertebrate
species).

Category 5 – Sacrifice trees

Along extraction roads, especially in places where chances of damage to residual stand are
high, standing trees can be retained as sacrifice trees (they will not be felled and removed at
the end of harvesting). Logs used for the same protection reason along certain parts of ex-
traction roads or those used to fill ravines produced in the road bed can be left on site for en-
suring habitat for biodiversity. The number of such trees (together with those mentioned at the
previous category – see point 4) should be of at least 1-3 per ha.

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Category 6 – Special trees

Sometimes, in forest stands, there are certain trees which can be considered special due to
the following reasons:

- the species they belong to is either rare and scattered through the stand or offers habitat or
food for certain animal species (e.g. fruiting trees like rowan, checker tree, wild cherry, wild
apple and wild pear)

- their shape (having thick branches as support for nesting of big size birds, with hollows offer-
ing housing for animals

- their size (height and/or diameter) – „ veteran trees”.

Such trees can be maintained as biodiversity trees except for cases when they are consid-
ered a threat to workers health and safety. Their number (together with the other trees se-
lected under points 4 and 5) should be of at least 1-3 per ha.

Technical and administrative guidelines.

Category 1 – in sub compartments where ageing islands are left, the other categories are not
required except for buffer areas for watercourses. Also, any nest trees (especially those for
big birds of prey or black stork) not included in these islands but present on site will be main-
tained as well, regardless of volume retained in the islands already.

Category 2 - in sub compartments where buffer areas for watercourses are left (being
mandatory), the other categories are not required. However, any nest trees (especially those
for big birds of prey or black stork) not included in these buffer areas but present on site will
be maintained as well, regardless of volume retained in the buffer areas already.

Category 3 – Trees with active nests (especially those for big birds of prey or black stork) will
be maintained, regardless of their number and spatial arrangement

Categories 4 to 6 – their approximate amount which should be retained must be of at least 1-


3 trees per ha.

To ensure a good ecological connectivity of dead wood elements from the above mentioned
categories, ageing islands within a forested landscape (a landscape which includes both
stands with and without interventions, which contain dead wood from other categories) should
be at least 3 km24 away from one another.

In all cases, health and safety requirements for workers and public must prevail. To prevent
accidents, “dead wood” will be identified during tree marking, will be located on the harvesting
unit map and workers will be trained accordingly. Extraction roads will avoid if possible areas

24
Managing deadwood in forests and woodlands. Forestry Commission Practice Guide. Jonathan Humphrey and Sallie Bailey (2012)

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Forest Stewardship Council®

with dead wood (especially where it is in larger quantities/numbers – e.g. ageing islands and
buffer areas).

Where the risk of insect outbreaks is high (e.g. in pure spruce stands) dead wood would be
selected from already dead trees from previous years (which do not host insects anymore and
therefore do not pose a risk anymore) or belonging to other species which are not a host for
the insects.

Monitoring of dead wood elements will be carried out starting at handing over the area for har-
vesting, during harvesting control visits, at the end of harvesting and during regular (bi -an-
nual) inspection visits carried out by the Organization.

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Forest Stewardship Council®

Annex I:

Monitoring will cover the following levels (without being restricted only to these indicators):

No. Compartment Monitoring objective Document name Monitoring frequency Who? Field

A. Organization level (Monitoring by Forest Guard based on reports prepared by forest districts and directorates

Comparison of man-
Management
plan agement plan provi- Annual (1-31 Janu- Forest district + For-
1 Management Environment
provisions
sions and works car- ary) est Guard
ried out
Area under adminis- Forest district + For-
2 Silviculture tration SILV 1 Annual est Guard Environment
Planning+ Ac- Forest district + For-
3
counting Economic Activity SILV 2 Annual est Guard Economic

Harvested volumes
Forest district + For-
4 Silviculture and areas covered SILV 3 Annual Environment
est Guard
with operations

Regeneration works
Forest Regenera- on forest lands, de- Forest district + For-
5 SILV 4 Annual Environment
tion graded lands and est Guard
other terrains
Areas regenerated
Forest Regenera- Annual Control of re- Forest district + For-
6 and under regenera- Annual Environment
tion generation est Guard
tion

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Charles-de-Gaulle-Straße 5 · 53113 Bonn · Germany
T +49 (0) 228 367 66 0 · F +49 (0) 228 367 66 30
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Forest Stewardship Council®

Activities specific to Report on Forest


Forest protection Forest district + For-
7 Forest protection and guarding (including Trimestrial Social
and guarding est Guard
guarding annexes)
Report on aggres-
Forest protection Forest district + For-
8 Incidents sion and assaults on Trimestrial Social
and guarding est Guard
foresters
Forestry services for
Forest protection Forest district + For-
9 areas belonging to Contracts Monthly Social
and guarding est Guard
other owners
Forest district + For-
10 Silviculture Timber sales SUMAL AGENT Monthly Economic
est Guard
Harvesting of timber
from natural distur- Forest district + For- Environment
11 Silviculture Timber sales Trimestrial
bances + notification est Guard +Economic
to authorize

Game manage- Game population esti- Game estimates and Forest district + For-
12 hunting quota estab- Annual Environment
ment mates est Guard
lishing

B. Organization level (additional monitoring/reporting)


Forest district
and/or Forest Direc-
High Conservation Indicators for moni-
torate
1 Silviculture Value Forests toring HCVFs Annual Environment
Report on protected Forest district
areas in the area and/or Forest Direc-
managed by the Or- torate
2 Silviculture Protected areas ganization Annual Environment

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Forest Stewardship Council®

Forest district
and/or Forest Direc-
Tending operations
torate
3 Silviculture Young stands (Sheet no. 2) Monthly Environment
Forest district
Timber estimates
and/or Forest Direc-
(tree marking) (Sheet
torate
4 Silviculture Timber cruising no. 2) Monthly Environment
Forest district
and/or Forest Direc-
Harvested timber vol-
torate
5 Silviculture Timber harvesting ume (Sheet no. 2) Monthly Environment
Forest district
Evidence of areas and/or Forest Direc-
6 Silviculture Clearcuts with clearcuts Annual torate Environment
Forest district
Evidence on volume and/or Forest Direc-
harvested since be- torate
ginning of the man-
7 Silviculture Forest potential yield agement plan Annual Environment
Forest district
Forest protection Report on Illegal Ac- and/or Forest Direc-
8 and guarding Illegal Activities tivities Annual torate Social
Forest district
Meetings with inter- and/or Forest Direc-
9 Management Public Consultations ested stakeholders Annual torate Social
Forest district
Evidence on chemi-
and/or Forest Direc-
Forest protection cal substances used
torate
10 and guarding Chemical substances for pest control Annual Environment

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Forest Stewardship Council®

Forest district
and/or Forest Direc-
Evidence on individ- torate
Work health and Work protective ual work protection
11 safety equipment equipment Annual Social
Forest district
Work health and Evidence on work and/or Forest Direc-
12 safety Work Accidents accidents Monthly torate Social
Forest district
Human Re- Professional training and/or Forest Direc-
13 sources Professional training Plan Monthly torate Social
Forest district
and/or Forest Direc-
Non timber forest Evidence of Non tim-
torate
14 Production products ber forest products Annual Economic
Forest district
Income and expendi-
and/or Forest Direc-
Financial-Accounting tures budget, bal-
torate
15 Accounting Reports ance sheet Monthly Economic
Forest district
Biodiversity elements and/or Forest Direc-
16 Management Biodiversity Register Annual torate Environment
Annual Social
Socio-economic Im- Forest district and/or
17 Management pact Social Impact Study Forest Directorate

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Forest Stewardship Council®

Annex J: List of invasive species

№ Species Source

http://www.specii-invazive.ro/system/files/di-
1 Acacia melanoxylon
horu-plante-invazive-in-flora-romaniei.pdf

Acer negundo

2 http://www.specii-
invazive.ro/system/files/dihoru-plante-in-
vazive-in-flora-romaniei.pdf

http://www.specii-invazive.ro/system/files/di-
3 Ailanthus altissima
horu-plante-invazive-in-flora-romaniei.pdf

http://www.specii-invazive.ro/system/files/di-
4 Ambrosia artemisiifolia
horu-plante-invazive-in-flora-romaniei.pdf

http://www.specii-invazive.ro/system/files/di-
5 Amorpha fruticosa
horu-plante-invazive-in-flora-romaniei.pdf

http://www.specii-invazive.ro/system/files/di-
6 Cytisus multiflorus
horu-plante-invazive-in-flora-romaniei.pdf

http://www.specii-invazive.ro/system/files/di-
7 Fraxinus pennsylvanica
horu-plante-invazive-in-flora-romaniei.pdf

http://www.specii-invazive.ro/system/files/di-
8 Prunus serotina
horu-plante-invazive-in-flora-romaniei.pdf

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Handelsregister | Commercial Register: Bonn HRB12589
Forest Stewardship Council®

9. FSC Glossary of Terms

This glossary includes internationally accepted definitions whenever possible. These sources
include, for instance, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the
Convention on Biological Diversity (1992), the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) as
well as definitions from online glossaries as provided on the websites of the World Conserva-
tion Union (IUCN), the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Invasive Alien Species
Programme of the Convention on Biological Diversity. When other sources have been used
they are referenced accordingly.
The term ‘based on’ means that a definition was adapted from an existing definition as pro -
vided in an international source.
Words used in the International Generic Indicators, if not defined in this Glossary of Terms or
other normative FSC documents, are used as defined in the Shorter Oxford English Dictio-
nary or the Concise Oxford Dictionary.
Adaptive management: A systematic process of continually improving management policies
and practices by learning from the outcomes of existing measures (Source: Based on World
Conservation Union (IUCN). Glossary definitions as provided on IUCN website).
Affected stakeholder: Any person, group of persons or entity that is or is likely to be subject
to the effects of the activities of a Management Unit. Examples include, but are not restricted
to (for example in the case of downstream landowners), persons, groups of persons or enti-
ties located in the neighborhood of the Management Unit. The following are examples of af-
fected stakeholders:
o Local communities
o Indigenous Peoples
o Workers
o Forest dwellers
o Neighbors
o Downstream landowners
o Local processors
o Local businesses
o Tenure and use rights holders, including landowners
o Organizations authorized or known to act on behalf of affected stakeholders, for
example social and environmental NGOs, labor unions, etc.
(Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Alien species: A species, subspecies or lower taxon, introduced outside its natural past or
present distribution; includes any part, gametes, seeds, eggs, or propagules of such species
that might survive and subsequently reproduce (Source: Convention on Biological Diversity
(CBD), Invasive Alien Species Programme. Glossary of Terms as provided on CBD website).
Applicable law: Means applicable to The Organization* as a legal* person or business enter-
prise in or for the benefit of the Management Unit and those laws which affect the implemen-
tation of the FSC Principles and Criteria. This includes any combination of statutory law (Par-

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Forest Stewardship Council®

liamentary-approved) and case law (court interpretations), subsidiary regulations, associated


administrative procedures, and the national constitution (if present) which invariably takes le-
gal* precedence over all other legal* instruments (Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Aquifer: A formation, group of formations, or part of a formation that contains sufficient satu-
rated permeable material to yield significant quantities of water to wells and springs for that
unit to have economic value as a source of water in that region. (Source: Gratzfeld, J. 2003.
Extractive Industries in Arid and Semi-Arid Zones. World Conservation Union (IUCN)).
Best Available Information: Legislation, data, facts, documents, expert opinions, and results
of field surveys, consultations with stakeholders that are most credible, accurate, complete,
and/or pertinent and that can be obtained through reasonable* effort and cost, subject to the
scale* and intensity* of the management activities and the Precautionary Approach*.
Binding Agreement: A deal or pact, written or not, which is compulsory to its signatories and
enforceable by law. Parties involved in the agreement do so freely and accept it voluntarily.
Biological diversity: The variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter
alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which
they are a part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems
(Source: Convention on Biological Diversity 1992, Article 2).
Biological control agents: Organisms used to eliminate or regulate the population of other
organisms (Source: Based on FSC-STD-01-001 V4-0 and World Conservation Union (IUCN).
Glossary definitions as provided on IUCN website).
Confidential information: Private facts, data and content that, if made publicly available,
might put at risk The Organization*, its business interests or its relationships with stakehold-
ers, clients and competitors.
Conflicts between the Principles and Criteria and laws: Situations where it is not possible
to comply with the Principles and Criteria and a law at the same time (Source: FSC-STD-01-
001 V5-0).
Connectivity: A measure of how connected or spatially continuous a corridor, network, or ma-
trix is. The fewer gaps, the higher the connectivity. Related to the structural connectivity con -
cept; functional or behavioral connectivity refers to how connected an area is for a process,
such as an animal moving through different types of landscape elements. Aquatic connectivity
deals with the accessibility and transport of materials and organisms, through groundwater
and surface water, between different patches of aquatic ecosystems of all kinds. (Source:
Based on R.T.T. Forman. 1995. Land Mosaics. The Ecology of Landscapes and Regions.
Cambridge University Press, 632pp).
Conservation/Protection: These words are used interchangeably when referring to manage-
ment activities designed to maintain the identified environmental or cultural values in exis-
tence long-term. Management activities may range from zero or minimal interventions to a
specified range of appropriate interventions and activities designed to maintain, or compatible
with maintaining, these identified values (Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).

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Forest Stewardship Council®

Conservation Areas Network: Those portions of the Management Unit* for which conserva-
tion is the primary and, in some circumstances, exclusive objective; such areas include repre-
sentative sample areas*, conservation zones*, protection areas*, connectivity* areas and
High Conservation Value Areas*.
Conservation zones and protection areas: Defined areas that are designated and man-
aged primarily to safeguard species, habitats, ecosystems, natural features or other site-spe-
cific values because of their natural environmental or cultural values, or for purposes of moni-
toring, evaluation or research, not necessarily excluding other management activities. For the
purposes of the Principles and Criteria, these terms are used interchangeably, without imply-
ing that one always has a higher degree of conservation or protection than the other. The term
‘protected area’ is not used for these areas, because this term implies legal* or official status,
covered by national regulations in many countries. In the context of the Principles and Crite-
ria, management of these areas should involve active conservation, not passive protection’
(Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Critical: The concept of criticality or fundamentality in Principal 9 and HCVs relates to irre-
placeability and to cases where loss or major damage to this HCV would cause serious preju-
dice or suffering to affected stakeholders. An ecosystem service is considered to be critical
(HCV 4) where a disruption of that service is likely to cause, or poses a threat of, severe neg -
ative impacts on the welfare, health or survival of local communities, on the environment, on
HCVs, or on the functioning of significant infrastructure (roads, dams, buildings etc.). The no-
tion of criticality here refers to the importance and risk for natural resources and environmen -
tal and socio-economic values (Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Criterion (pl. Criteria): A means of judging whether or not a Principle (of forest stewardship)
has been fulfilled (Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V4-0).
Culturally appropriate [mechanisms]: Means/approaches for outreach to target groups that
are in harmony with the customs, values, sensitivities, and ways of life of the target audience.
Customary law: Interrelated sets of customary rights may be recognized as customary law.
In some jurisdictions, customary law is equivalent to statutory law, within its defined area of
competence and may replace the statutory law for defined ethnic or other social groups. In
some jurisdictions customary law complements statutory law and is applied in specified cir-
cumstances (Source: Based on N.L. Peluso and P. Vandergeest. 2001. Genealogies of the
political forest and customary rights in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, Journal of Asian
Studies 60(3):761–812).
Customary rights: Rights which result from a long series of habitual or customary actions,
constantly repeated, which have, by such repetition and by uninterrupted acquiescence, ac-
quired the force of a law within a geographical or sociological unit (Source: FSC-STD-01-001
V4-0).
Dispute: for the purpose of the IGI, this is an expression of dissatisfaction by any person or
organization presented as a complaint to The Organization*, relating to its management activi-

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ties or its conformity with the FSC Principles and Criteria, where a response is expected
(Source: based on FSC-PRO-01-005 V3-0 Processing Appeals).
Dispute of substantial duration: Dispute* that continues for more than twice as long as the
predefined timelines in the FSC System (this is, for more than 6 months after receiving the
complaint, based on FSC-STD-20-001).
Dispute of substantial magnitude: For the purpose of the International Generic Indicators, a
dispute* of substantial magnitude is a dispute* that involves one or more of the following:
o Affects the legal* or customary rights* of Indigenous Peoples* and local commu-
nities*;
o Where the negative impact of management activities is of such a scale that it can -
not be reversed or mitigated;
o Physical violence;
o Destruction of property;
o Presence of military bodies;
o Acts of intimidation against forest* workers* and stakeholders*.
This list should be adapted or expanded by Standard Developers.
Economic viability: The capability of developing and surviving as a relatively independent
social, economic or political unit. Economic viability may require but is not synonymous with
profitability (Source: Based on the definition provided on the website of the European Environ -
ment Agency).
Ecosystem: A dynamic complex of plant, animal and micro-organism communities and their
non-living environment interacting as a functional unit (Source: Convention on Biological Di-
versity 1992, Article 2).
Ecosystem function: An intrinsic ecosystem characteristic related to the set of conditions
and processes whereby an ecosystem maintains its integrity (such as primary productivity,
food chain, biogeochemical cycles). Ecosystem functions include such processes as decom-
position, production, nutrient cycling, and fluxes of nutrients and energy. For FSC purposes,
this definition includes ecological and evolutionary processes such as gene flow and distur-
bance regimes, regeneration cycles and ecological seral development (succession) stages.
(Source: Based on R. Hassan, R. Scholes and N. Ash. 2005. Ecosystems and Human Well-
being: Synthesis. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Series. Island Press, Washington
DC; and R.F. Noss. 1990. Indicators for monitoring biodiversity: a hierarchical approach. Con-
servation Biology 4(4):355–364).
Ecosystem services: The benefits people obtain from ecosystems. These include:
o provisioning services such as food, forest products and water;
o regulating services such as regulation of floods, drought, land degradation, air
quality, climate and disease;
o supporting services such as soil formation and nutrient cycling; and
o cultural services and cultural values such as recreational, spiritual, religious and
other non-material benefits.
(Source: Based on R. Hassan, R. Scholes and N. Ash. 2005. Ecosystems and Human Well-
being: Synthesis. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Series. Island Press, Washington

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DC).
Engaging / engagement: The process by which The Organization communicates, consults
and/or provides for the participation of interested and/or affected stakeholders ensuring that
their concerns, desires, expectations, needs, rights and opportunities are considered in the
establishment, implementation and updating of the management plan* (Source: FSC-STD-01-
001 V5-0).
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Systematic process used to identify potential en-
vironmental and social impacts of proposed projects, to evaluate alternative approaches, and
to design and incorporate appropriate prevention, mitigation, management and monitoring
measures (Source: based on Environmental impact assessment, guidelines for FAO field
projects. Food and agriculture organization of the United Nations (FAO). Rome,-STD-01-001
V5-0).
Environmental values: The following set of elements of the biophysical and human environ-
ment:
o ecosystem functions (including carbon sequestration and storage);
o biological diversity;
o water resources;
o soils;
o atmosphere;
o landscape values (including cultural and spiritual values).
The actual worth attributed to these elements depends on human and societal perceptions
(Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Externalities: The positive and negative impacts of activities on stakeholders that are not di-
rectly involved in those activities, or on a natural resource or the environment, which do not
usually enter standard cost accounting systems, such that the market prices of the products of
those activities do not reflect the full costs or benefits (Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Fair compensation: Remuneration that is proportionate to the magnitude and type of ser-
vices rendered by another party or of the harm that is attributable to the first party.
Fertilizer: Mineral or organic substances, most commonly N, P2O5 and K20, which are ap-
plied to soil for the purpose of enhancing plant growth.
Focal species: Species whose requirements for persistence define the attributes that must
be present if that landscape is to meet the requirements of the species that occur there
(Source: Lambeck, R., J. 1997. Focal Species: A multi-species Umbrella for Nature Conser-
vation. Conservation Biology vol 11 (4): 849-856.).
Forest: A tract of land dominated by trees (Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0. Derived from FSC
Guidelines for Certification Bodies, Scope of Forest Certification, Section 2.1 first published in
1998, and revised as FSC-GUI-20-200 in 2005, and revised again in 2010 as FSC-DIR-20-
007 FSC Directive on Forest Management Evaluations, ADVICE-20-007-01).
Formal and informal workers organization: association or union of workers*, whether rec-
ognized by law or by The Organization* or neither, which have the aim of promoting workers*
rights and to represent workers* in dealings with The Organization* particularly regarding

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working conditions and compensation.


Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC): A legal* condition whereby a person or commu-
nity can be said to have given consent to an action prior to its commencement, based upon a
clear appreciation and understanding of the facts, implications and future consequences of
that action, and the possession of all relevant facts at the time when consent is given. Free,
prior and informed consent includes the right to grant, modify, withhold or withdraw approval
(Source: Based on the Preliminary working paper on the principle of Free, Prior and Informed
Consent of Indigenous Peoples (…) (E/CN.4/Sub.2/AC.4/2004/4 8 July 2004) of the 22nd
Session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, Sub-commission on the Promo-
tion and Protection of Human Rights, Working Group on Indigenous Populations, 19–23 July
2004).
Gender equality: Gender equality or gender equity means that women and men have equal
conditions for realizing their full human rights and for contributing to, and benefiting from, eco-
nomic, social, cultural and political development (Source: Adapted from FAO, IFAD and ILO
workshop on ‘Gaps, trends and current research in gender dimensions of agricultural and ru-
ral employment: differentiated pathways out of poverty’, Rome, 31 March to 2 April 2009.).
Genetically modified organism: An organism in which the genetic material has been altered
in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. (Source:
Based on FSC-POL-30-602 FSC Interpretation on GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms)).
Genotype: The genetic constitution of an organism (Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Grassland: Land covered with herbaceous plants with less than 10% tree and shrub cover
(Source: UNEP, cited in FAO. 2002. Second Expert Meeting on Harmonizing Forest-Related
Definitions for use by various stakeholders).
Habitat: The place or type of site where an organism or population occurs (Source: Based on
the Convention on Biological Diversity, Article 2).

Habitat features: Forest* stand attributes and structures, including but not limited to:
o Old commercial and non-commercial trees whose age noticeably exceeds the av-
erage age of the main canopy;
o Trees with special ecological value;
o Vertical and horizontal complexity;
o Standing dead trees;
o Dead fallen wood;
o Forest openings attributable to natural disturbances;
o Nesting sites;
o Small wetlands, bogs, fens;
o Ponds;
o Areas for procreation;
o Areas for feeding and shelter, including seasonal cycles of breeding;
o Areas for migration;
o Areas for hibernation.
High Conservation Value (HCV): Any of the following values:
o HCV1: Species Diversity. Concentrations of biological diversity* including en-

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demic species, and rare, threatened or endangered* species, that are significant
at global, regional or national levels.
o HCV 2: Landscape-level ecosystems and mosaics. Intact Forest Landscapes,
large landscape-level ecosystems* and ecosystem mosaics that are significant at
global, regional or national levels, and that contain viable populations of the great
majority of the naturally occurring species in natural patterns of distribution and
abundance.
o HCV 3: Ecosystems and habitats. Rare, threatened, or endangered ecosystems,
habitats* or refugia*.
o HCV 4: Critical ecosystem services. Basic ecosystem services* in critical situa-
tions, including protection of water catchments and control of erosion of vulnera-
ble soils and slopes.
o HCV 5: Community needs. Sites and resources fundamental for satisfying the ba-
sic necessities of local communities or Indigenous Peoples* (for example for liveli-
hoods, health, nutrition, water), identified through engagement with these commu-
nities or Indigenous Peoples*.
o HCV 6: Cultural values. Sites, resources, habitats and landscapes* of global or
national cultural, archaeological or historical significance, and/or of critical cul-
tural, ecological, economic or religious/sacred importance for the traditional cul-
tures of local communities or Indigenous Peoples*, identified through engagement
with these local communities or Indigenous Peoples*.
(Source: based on FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
High Conservation Value Areas: Zones and physical spaces which possess and/or are
needed for the existence and maintenance of identified High Conservation Values*.
High grading: High grading is a tree removal practice in which only the best quality, most
valuable timber trees are removed, often without regenerating new tree seedlings or removing
the remaining poor quality and suppressed understory trees and, in doing so, degrading the
ecological health and commercial value of the forest. High grading stands as a counterpoint to
sustainable resource management (Source: based on Glossary of Forest Management
Terms. North Carolina Division of Forest Resources. March 2009).
Indicator: A quantitative or qualitative variable which can be measured or described, and
which provides a means of judging whether a Management Unit* complies with the require-
ments of an FSC Criterion. Indicators and the associated thresholds thereby define the re-
quirements for responsible forest management at the level of the Management Unit* and are
the primary basis of forest evaluation (Source: FSC-STD-01-002 V1-0 FSC Glossary of Terms
(2009)).
Indigenous Peoples: People and groups of people that can be identified or characterized as
follows:
o The key characteristic or Criterion is self-identification as Indigenous Peoples at
the individual level and acceptance by the community as their member;
o Historical continuity with pre-colonial and/or pre-settler societies;
o Strong link to territories and surrounding natural resources;

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o Distinct social, economic or political systems;


o Distinct language, culture and beliefs;
o Form non-dominant groups of society;
o Resolve to maintain and reproduce their ancestral environments and systems as
distinctive peoples and communities.
(Source: Adapted from United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous, Factsheet ‘Who
are Indigenous Peoples’ October 2007; United Nations Development Group, ‘Guidelines
on Indigenous Peoples’ Issues’ United Nations 2009, United Nations Declaration on the
Rights of Indigenous Peoples, 13 September 2007).
Infrastructure: In the context of forest management, roads, bridges, culverts, log landings,
quarries, impoundments, buildings and other structures required in the course of implement-
ing the management plan*.
Intact Forest Landscape: a territory within today's global extent of forest cover which con-
tains forest and non-forest ecosystems minimally influenced by human economic activity, with
an area of at least 500 km2 (50,000 ha) and a minimal width of 10 km (measured as the di -
ameter of a circle that is entirely inscribed within the boundaries of the territory) (Source: In-
tact Forests / Global Forest Watch. Glossary definition as provided on Intact Forest website.
2006-2014).
Intellectual property: Practices as well as knowledge, innovations and other creations of the
mind (Source: Based on the Convention on Biological Diversity, Article 8(j); and World Intel-
lectual Property Organization. What is Intellectual Property? WIPO Publication No. 450(E)).
Intensity: A measure of the force, severity or strength of a management activity or other oc-
currence affecting the nature of the activity’s impacts (Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Interested stakeholder: Any person, group of persons, or entity that has shown an interest,
or is known to have an interest, in the activities of a Management Unit. The following are ex-
amples of interested stakeholders.
o Conservation organizations, for example environmental NGOs;
o Labor (rights) organizations, for example labor unions;
o Human rights organizations, for example social NGOs;
o Local development projects;
o Local governments;
o National government departments functioning in the region;
o FSC National Offices;
o Experts on particular issues, for example High Conservation Values.
(Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0)
Internationally accepted scientific protocol: A predefined science-based procedure which
is either published by an international scientific network or union, or referenced frequently in
the international scientific literature (Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Invasive species: Species that are rapidly expanding outside of their native range. Invasive
species can alter ecological relationships among native species and can affect ecosystem
function and human health (Source: Based on World Conservation Union (IUCN). Glossary
definitions as provided on IUCN website).
Lands and territories: For the purposes of the Principles and Criteria these are lands or terri-

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tories that Indigenous Peoples or local communities have traditionally owned, or customarily
used or occupied, and where access to natural resources is vital to the sustainability of their
cultures and livelihoods (Source: Based on World Bank safeguard OP 4.10 Indigenous Peo-
ples, section 16 (a). July 2005.).
Landscape: A geographical mosaic composed of interacting ecosystems resulting from the
influence of geological, topographical, soil, climatic, biotic and human interactions in a given
area (Source: Based on World Conservation Union (IUCN). Glossary definitions as provided
on IUCN website).
Landscape values: Landscape values can be visualized as layers of human perceptions
overlaid on the physical landscape. Some landscape values, like economic, recreation, sub-
sistence value or visual quality are closely related to physical landscape attributes. Other
landscape values such as intrinsic or spiritual value are more symbolic in character and are
influenced more by individual perception or social construction than physical landscape at-
tributes (Source: Based on website of the Landscape Value Institute).
Legal: In accordance with primary legislation (national or local laws) or secondary legislation
(subsidiary regulations, decrees, orders, etc.). ‘Legal’ also includes rule-based decisions
made by legally competent agencies where such decisions flow directly and logically from the
laws and regulations. Decisions made by legally competent agencies may not be legal if they
do not flow directly and logically from the laws and regulations and if they are not rule-based
but use administrative discretion (Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Legally competent: Mandated in law to perform a certain function (Source: FSC-STD-01-001
V5-0).
Legal registration: National or local legal* license or set of permissions to operate as an en-
terprise, with rights to buy and sell products and/or services commercially. The license or per-
missions can apply to an individual, a privately-owned enterprise or a publicly-owned corpo-
rate entity. The rights to buy and sell products and/or services do not carry the obligation to do
so, so legal* registration applies also to Organizations operating a Management Unit without
sales of products or services; for example, for unpriced recreation or for conservation of biodi-
versity or habitat (Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Legal status: The way in which the Management Unit is classified according to law. In terms
of tenure, it means the category of tenure, such as communal land or leasehold or freehold or
State land or government land, etc. If the Management Unit is being converted from one cate-
gory to another (for example, from State land to communal indigenous land) the status in-
cludes the current position in the transition process. In terms of administration, legal status
could mean that the land is owned by the nation as a whole, is administered on behalf of the
nation by a government department, and is leased by a government Ministry to a private sec -
tor operator through a concession (Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Living wage: The remuneration received for a standard work week by a worker in a particular
place sufficient to afford a decent standard of living for the worker and her or his family. Ele -

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ments of a decent standard of living include food, water, housing, education, health care,
transport, clothing, and other essential needs including provision for unexpected events
(Source: A Shared Approach to a Living Wage. ISEAL Living Wage Group. November 2013).
Local communities: Communities of any size (villages, communes, neighborhoods, towns,
etc.) that are in or adjacent to the Management Unit, and also those that are close enough to
have a significant impact on the economy or the environmental values of the Management
Unit or to have their economies, rights or environments significantly affected by the manage-
ment activities or the biophysical aspects of the Management Unit.
Local laws: The whole suite of primary and secondary laws (acts, ordinances, statutes, de-
crees) which is limited in application to a particular geographic district within a national terri-
tory, as well as secondary regulations, and tertiary administrative procedures (rules / require-
ments) that derive their authority directly and explicitly from these primary and secondary
laws. Laws derive authority ultimately from the Westphalian concept of sovereignty of the Na-
tion State (Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Long-term: The time-scale of the forest owner or manager as manifested by the objectives of
the management plan*, the rate of harvesting, and the commitment to maintain permanent
forest cover. The length of time involved will vary according to the context and ecological con -
ditions, and will be a function of how long it takes a given ecosystem to recover its natural
structure and composition following harvesting or disturbance, or to produce mature or pri-
mary conditions (Source: FSC-STD-01-002 V1-0 FSC Glossary of Terms (2009)).
Management objective: Specific management goals, practices, outcomes, and approaches
established to achieve the requirements of this standard.
Management plan: The collection of documents, reports, records and maps that describe,
justify and regulate the activities carried out by any manager, staff or organization within or in
relation to the Management Unit, including statements of objectives and policies (Source:
FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Management plan monitoring: Follow up and oversight procedures for the purpose of evalu-
ating the achievement of the management objectives*. The results of the monitoring activities
are utilized in the implementation of adaptive management*.
Management Unit: A spatial area or areas submitted for FSC certification with clearly defined
boundaries managed to a set of explicit long term management objectives which are ex-
pressed in a management plan*. This area or areas include(s):
o all facilities and area(s) within or adjacent to this spatial area or areas under legal*
title or management control of, or operated by or on behalf of The Organization,
for the purpose of contributing to the management objectives; and
o all facilities and area(s) outside, and not adjacent to this spatial area or areas and
operated by or on behalf of The Organization*, solely for the purpose of contribut-
ing to the management objectives.
(Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Managerial control: Responsibility of the kind defined for corporate directors of commercial

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enterprises in national commercial law, and treated by FSC as applicable also to public sector
organizations (Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Marginal habitat: Fragile ecosystems with high biodiversity value. Forest management activi-
ties will ensure their protection and of adjacent vegetation if needed, to maintain their specific
conditions for protecting the biodiversity of these areas. Most common examples are: riparian
forests, wet areas, rocky areas/screes, herbaceous ecosystems, scrubs, natural sparse
woodlands.
National laws: The whole suite of primary and secondary laws (acts, ordinances, statutes,
decrees), which is applicable to a national territory, as well as secondary regulations, and ter-
tiary administrative procedures (rules / requirements) that derive their authority directly and
explicitly from these primary and secondary laws (Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Native species: Species, subspecies, or lower taxon, occurring within its natural range (past
or present) and dispersal potential (that is, within the range it occupies naturally or could oc-
cupy without direct or indirect introduction or care by humans) (Source: Convention on Biolog-
ical Diversity (CBD). Invasive Alien Species Programme. Glossary of Terms as provided on
CBD website).
Natural conditions/native ecosystem: For the purposes of the Principles and Criteria and
any applications of restoration techniques, terms such as ‘more natural conditions’, ‘native
ecosystem’ provide for managing sites to favor or restore native species and associations of
native species that are typical of the locality, and for managing these associations and other
environmental values so that they form ecosystems typical of the locality. Further guidelines
may be provided in FSC Forest Stewardship Standards (Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Natural forest: A forest area with many of the principal characteristics and key elements of
native ecosystems, such as complexity, structure and biological diversity, including soil char-
acteristics, flora and fauna, in which all or almost all the trees are native species, not classi-
fied as plantations.
‘Natural forest’ includes the following categories:
o Forest affected by harvesting or other disturbances, in which trees are being or
have been regenerated by a combination of natural and artificial regeneration with
species typical of natural forests in that site, and where many of the above-ground
and below-ground characteristics of the natural forest are still present. In boreal
and north temperate forests which are naturally composed of only one or few tree
species, a combination of natural and artificial regeneration to regenerate forest of
the same native species, with most of the principal characteristics and key ele-
ments of native ecosystems of that site, is not by itself considered as conversion
to plantations;
o Natural forests which are maintained by traditional silvicultural practices including
natural or assisted natural regeneration;
o Well-developed secondary or colonizing forest of native species which has regen-
erated in non-forest areas;

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o The definition of ‘natural forest’ may include areas described as wooded ecosys-
tems, woodland and savannah.
The description of natural forests and their principal characteristics and key elements may be
further defined in FSC Forest Stewardship Standards, with appropriate descriptions or exam-
ples.
‘Natural forest’ does not include land which is not dominated by trees, was previously not for -
est, and which does not yet contain many of the characteristics and elements of native
ecosystems. Young regeneration may be considered as natural forest after some years of
ecological progression. FSC Forest Stewardship Standards may indicate when such areas
may be excised from the Management Unit, should be restored towards more natural condi-
tions, or may be converted to other land uses.
FSC has not developed quantitative thresholds between different categories of forests in
terms of area, density, height, etc. FSC Forest Stewardship Standards may provide such
thresholds and other guidelines, with appropriate descriptions or examples. Pending such
guidance, areas dominated by trees, mainly of native species, may be considered as natural
forest.
Thresholds and guidelines may cover areas such as:
o Other vegetation types and non-forest communities and ecosystems included in
the Management Unit, including grassland, bushland, wetlands, and open wood-
lands;
o Very young pioneer or colonizing regeneration in a primary succession on new
open sites or abandoned farmland, which does not yet contain many of the princi-
pal characteristics and key elements of native ecosystems. This may be consid-
ered as natural forest through ecological progression after the passage of years;
o Young natural regeneration growing in natural forest areas may be considered as
natural forest, even after logging, clear-felling or other disturbances, since many
of the principal characteristics and key elements of native ecosystems remain,
above-ground and below-ground;
o Areas where deforestation and forest degradation have been so severe that they
are no longer ‘dominated by trees’ may be considered as non-forest, when they
have very few of the principal above-ground and below-ground characteristics
and key elements of natural forests. Such extreme degradation is typically the re-
sult of combinations of repeated and excessively heavy logging, grazing, farming,
fuelwood collection, hunting, fire, erosion, mining, settlements, infrastructure, etc.
FSC Forest Stewardship Standards may help to decide when such areas should
be excised from the Management Unit, should be restored towards more natural
conditions, or may be converted to other land uses.
(Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Natural Hazards: disturbances that can present risks to social and environmental values* in
the Management Unit* but that may also comprise important ecosystem functions; examples
include drought, flood, fire, landslide, storm, avalanche, etc.

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Non-timber forest products (NTFP): All products other than timber derived from the Man-
agement Unit (Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Objective: The basic purpose laid down by The Organization* for the forest enterprise, includ-
ing the decision of policy and the choice of means for attaining the purpose (Source: Based
on F.C. Osmaston. 1968. The Management of Forests. Hafner, New York; and D.R. Johnston,
A.J. Grayson and R.T. Bradley. 1967. Forest Planning. Faber & Faber, London).
Obligatory code of practice: A manual or handbook or other source of technical instruction
which The Organization must implement by law (Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Occupational accident: An occurrence arising out of, or in the course of, work which results
in fatal or non-fatal injury (Source: International Labor Organization (ILO). Bureau of Library
and Information Services. ILO Thesaurus as provided on ILO website).
Occupational disease: Any disease contracted as a result of an exposure to risk factors aris-
ing from work activity (Source: International Labor Organization (ILO). Bureau of Library and
Information Services. ILO Thesaurus as provided on ILO website).
Occupational injuries: Any personal injury, disease or death resulting from an occupational
accident (Source: International Labor Organization (ILO). Bureau of Library and Information
Services. ILO Thesaurus as provided on ILO website).
Organism: Any biological entity capable of replication or of transferring genetic material
(Source: Council Directive 90/220/EEC).
The Organization: The person or entity holding or applying for certification and therefore re-
sponsible for demonstrating compliance with the requirements upon which FSC certification is
based (Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Peatland: Is constituted by flooded and soggy areas, with large accumulations of organic ma-
terial, covered by a layer of poor vegetation associated with a certain degree of acidity, and
which presents a characteristic amber color (Source: Aguilar, L. 2001. About Fishermen,
Fisherwomen, Oceans and tides. IUCN. San Jose (Costa Rica)).
Pesticide: Any substance or preparation prepared or used in protecting plants or wood or
other plant products from pests; in controlling pests; or in rendering such pests harmless. This
definition includes insecticides, rodenticides, acaricides, molluscicides, larvaecides, fungi-
cides and herbicides (Source: FSC-POL-30-001 FSC Pesticides Policy (2005).
Plantation: A forest area established by planting or sowing with using either alien or native
species, often with one or few species, regular spacing and even ages, and which lacks most
of the principal characteristics and key elements of natural forests. The description of planta-
tions may be further defined in FSC Forest Stewardship Standards, with appropriate descrip-
tions or examples, such as:
o Areas which would initially have complied with this definition of ‘plantation’ but
which, after the passage of years, contain many or most of the principal charac-
teristics and key elements of native ecosystems, may be classified as natural
forests.
o Plantations managed to restore and enhance biological and habitat diversity,

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structural complexity and ecosystem functionality may, after the passage of years,
be classified as natural forests.
o Boreal and north temperate forests which are naturally composed of only one or
few tree species, in which a combination of natural and artificial regeneration is
used to regenerate forest of the same native species, with most of the principal
characteristics and key elements of native ecosystems of that site, may be con-
sidered as natural forest, and this regeneration is not by itself considered as con -
version to plantations.
(Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0)
Precautionary approach: An approach requiring that when the available information indi-
cates that management activities pose a threat of severe or irreversible damage to the envi-
ronment or a threat to human welfare, The Organization* will take explicit and effective mea-
sures to prevent the damage and avoid the risks to welfare, even when the scientific informa -
tion is incomplete or inconclusive, and when the vulnerability and sensitivity of environmental
values are uncertain (Source: Based on Principle 15 of Rio Declaration on Environment and
Development, 1992, and Wingspread Statement on the Precautionary Principle of the Wing-
spread Conference, 23–25 January 1998).
Pre-harvest [condition]: The diversity, composition, and structure of the forest* or plantation
prior to felling timber and appurtenant activities such as road building.
Principle: An essential rule or element; in FSC’s case, of forest stewardship (Source: FSC-
STD-01-001 V4-0).
Protection: See definition of Conservation.
Protection Area: See definition of Conservation Zone.
Publicly available: In a manner accessible to or observable by people generally (Source:
Collins English Dictionary, 2003 Edition).
Rare species: Species that are uncommon or scarce, but not classified as threatened. These
species are located in geographically restricted areas or specific habitats, or are scantily scat-
tered on a large scale. They are approximately equivalent to the IUCN (2001) category of
Near Threatened (NT), including species that are close to qualifying for, or are likely to qualify
for, a threatened category in the near future. They are also approximately equivalent to imper-
iled species (Source: Based on IUCN. (2001). IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria: Version
3.1. IUCN Species Survival Commission. IUCN. Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK).
Ratified: The process by which an international law, convention or agreement (including mul -
tilateral environmental agreement) is legally approved by a national legislature or equivalent
legal* mechanism, such that the international law, convention or agreement becomes auto-
matically part of national law or sets in motion the development of national law to give the
same legal* effect (Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Reasonable: Judged to be fair or appropriate to the circumstances or purposes, based on
general experience (Source: Shorter Oxford English Dictionary).
Reduced impact harvesting: Harvesting (or logging) using techniques to reduce the impact

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on the residual stand (Source: Based on Guidelines for the Conservation and Sustainable
Use of Biodiversity in Tropical Timber Production Forests, IUCN 2006).
Refugia: An isolated area where extensive changes, typically due to changing climate or by
disturbances such as those caused by humans, have not occurred and where plants and ani-
mals typical of a region may survive (Source: Glen Canyon Dam, Adaptive Management Pro-
gram Glossary as provided on website of Glen Canyon Dam website).
Representative Sample Areas: Portions of the Management Unit* delineated for the purpose
of conserving or restoring viable examples of an ecosystem that would naturally occur in that
geographical region.
Resilience: The ability of a system to maintain key functions and processes in the face of
stresses or pressures by either resisting or adapting to change. Resilience can be applied to
both ecological systems and social systems (Source: IUCN World Commission on Protected
Areas (IUCN-WCPA). 2008. Establishing Marine Protected Area Networks – Making it Hap-
pen. Washington D.C.: IUCN-WCPA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and
The Nature Conservancy.).
Restore / Restoration: These words are used in different senses according to the context
and in everyday speech. In some cases ‘restore’ means to repair the damage done to envi-
ronmental values that resulted from management activities or other causes. In other cases
‘restore’ means the formation of more natural conditions in sites which have been heavily de-
graded or converted to other land uses. In the Principles and Criteria, the word ‘restore’ is not
used to imply the recreation of any particular previous, pre-historic, pre-industrial or other pre-
existing ecosystem (Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
The Organization* is not necessarily obliged to restore those environmental values that have
been affected by factors beyond the control of The Organization, for example by natural dis -
asters, by climate change, or by the legally authorized activities of third parties, such as public
infrastructure, mining, hunting or settlement. FSC-POL-20-003 The Excision of Areas from the
Scope of Certification describes the processes by which such areas may be excised from the
area certified, when appropriate.
The Organization is also not obliged to restore environmental values that may have existed at
some time in the historic or pre-historic past, or that have been negatively affected by previ -
ous owners or organizations. However, The Organization is expected to take reasonable mea-
sures to mitigate, control and prevent environmental degradation which is continuing in the
Management Unit as a result of such previous impacts.
Riparian zone: Interface between land and a water body, and the vegetation associated with
it.
Risk: The probability of an unacceptable negative impact arising from any activity in the Man-
agement Unit combined with its seriousness in terms of consequences (Source: FSC-STD-
01-001 V5-0).
Scale: A measure of the extent to which a management activity or event affects an environ-

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mental value or a management unit, in time or space. An activity with a small or low spatial
scale affects only a small proportion of the forest each year, an activity with a small or low
temporal scale occurs only at long intervals (Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Scale, intensity and risk: See individual definitions of the terms ‘scale’, ‘intensity’, and ‘risk’.
Significant: For the purposes of Principle 9, HCVs 1, 2 and 6 there are three main forms of
recognizing significance.
o A designation, classification or recognized conservation status, assigned by an in-
ternational agency such as IUCN or Birdlife International;
o A designation by national or regional authorities, or by a responsible national con -
servation organization, on the basis of its concentration of biodiversity;
o A voluntary recognition by the manager, owner or Organization, on the basis of
available information, or of the known or suspected presence of a significant bio-
diversity concentration, even when not officially designated by other agencies.
Any one of these forms will justify designation as HCVs 1, 2 and 6. Many regions of the world
have received recognition for their biodiversity importance, measured in many different ways.
Existing maps and classifications of priority areas for biodiversity conservation play an essen-
tial role in identifying the potential presence of HCVs 1, 2 and 6 (Source: FSC-STD-01-001
V5-0).
Silviculture: The art and science of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health
and quality of forests and woodlands to meet the targeted diverse needs and values of
landowners and society on a sustainable basis (Source: Nieuwenhuis, M. 2000. Terminology
of Forest Management. IUFRO World Series Vol. 9. IUFRO 4.04.07 SilvaPlan and SilvaVoc).
Stakeholder: See definitions for ‘affected stakeholder’ and ‘interested stakeholder’.
Statutory law or statute law: The body of law contained in Acts of Parliament (national legis-
lature) (Source: Oxford Dictionary of Law).
Tenure: Socially defined agreements held by individuals or groups, recognized by legal*
statutes or customary practice, regarding the ‘bundle of rights and duties’ of ownership, hold-
ing, access and/or usage of a particular land unit or the associated resources there within
(such as individual trees, plant species, water, minerals, etc.) (Source: World Conservation
Union (IUCN). Glossary definitions provided on IUCN website).
Threat: An indication or warning of impending or likely damage or negative impacts (Source:
Based on Oxford English Dictionary).
Threatened species: Species that meet the IUCN (2001) criteria for Vulnerable (VU), Endan-
gered (EN) or Critically Endangered (CR), and are facing a high, very high or extremely high
risk of extinction in the wild. These categories may be re-interpreted for FSC purposes ac-
cording to official national classifications (which have legal* significance) and to local condi-
tions and population densities (which should affect decisions about appropriate conservation
measures) (Source: Based on IUCN. (2001). IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria: Version
3.1. IUCN Species Survival Commission. IUCN. Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK.).
Timber harvesting level: The actual harvest quantity executed on the Management Unit*,

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tracked by either volume (e.g. cubic meters or board feet) or area (e.g. hectares or acres)
metrics for the purpose of comparison with calculated (maximum) allowable harvest levels.
Timely manner: As promptly as circumstances reasonably allow; not intentionally postponed
by The Organization*; in compliance with applicable laws, contracts, licenses or invoices.
Traditional Knowledge: Information, know-how, skills and practices that are developed, sus-
tained and passed on from generation to generation within a community, often forming part of
its cultural or spiritual identity (Source: based on the definition by the World Intellectual Prop -
erty Organization (WIPO). Glossary definition as provided under Policy / Traditional Knowl-
edge on the WIPO website).
Traditional peoples: Traditional peoples are social groups or peoples who do not self-identify
as indigenous and who affirm rights to their lands, forests and other resources based on long
established custom or traditional occupation and use (Source: Forest Peoples Programme
(Marcus Colchester, 7 October 2009)).
Uphold: To acknowledge, respect, sustain and support (Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Use rights: Rights for the use of resources of the Management Unit that can be defined by lo -
cal custom, mutual agreements, or prescribed by other entities holding access rights. These
rights may restrict the use of particular resources to specific levels of consumption or particu-
lar harvesting techniques (Source: FSC-STD-01-001 V5-0).
Verifiable targets: Specific goals, such as desired future forest conditions, established to
measure progress towards the achievement of each of the management objectives*. These
goals are expressed as clear outcomes, such that their attainment can be verified and it is
possible to determine whether they have been accomplished or not.
Very Limited portion: The area affected shall* not exceed 0.5% of the area of the Manage-
ment Unit* in any one year, nor affect a total of more than 5% of the area of the Management
Unit* (Source: based on FSC-STD-01-002 V1-0 FSC Glossary of Terms (2009)).
Waste materials: unusable or unwanted substances or by-products, such as:
o Hazardous waste, including chemical waste and batteries;
o Containers;
o Motor and other fuels and oils;
o Rubbish including metals, plastics and paper; and
o Abandoned buildings, machinery and equipment.
Water bodies (including water courses): Permanent brooks, creeks, streams, rivers, ponds,
and lakes. Water bodies include riparian or wetland systems, lakes, swamps, bogs and
springs.
Water scarcity: A water supply that limits food production, human health, and economic de-
velopment. Severe scarcity is taken to be equivalent to 1,000 cubic meters per year per per -
son or greater than 40% use relative to supply (Source: Millennium Ecosystem Assessment.
2005. Ecosystems and Human Well-Being: Policy Responses. Findings of the Responses
Working Group. Washington DC: Island Press, Pages 599-605).
Water stress: Occurs when the demand for water exceeds the available amount during a cer-
tain period or when poor quality restricts its use. Water stress causes deterioration of freshwa-

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ter resources in terms of quantity (aquifer over-exploitation, dry rivers, etc.) and quality (eu-
trophication, organic matter pollution, saline intrusion, etc.) (Source: UNEP, 2003, cited in
Gold Standard Foundation. 2014. Water Benefits Standard).
Wetlands: Transitional areas between terrestrial and aquatic systems in which the water table
is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water (Source: Cowarding,
L.M., Carter, V., Golet, F.C., Laroe, E.T. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habi-
tats of the United States. DC US Department: Washington).
Under the Ramsar Convention, wetlands can include tidal mudflats, natural ponds, marshes,
potholes, wet meadows, bogs, peatlands, freshwater swamps, mangroves, lakes, rivers and
even some coral reefs (Source: IUCN, No Date, IUCN Definitions – English).
Workers: All employed persons including public employees as well as ‘self-employed’ per-
sons. This includes part-time and seasonal employees, of all ranks and categories, including
laborers, administrators, supervisors, executives, contractor employees as well as self-em-
ployed contractors and sub-contractors (Source: ILO Convention C155 Occupational Safety
and Health Convention, 1981).

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